A festival for beauty forever: Tributes on International Day for the elderly

Staff Reporter
DIMAPUR, OCTOBER 1

Along with the rest of the world, Dimapur also observed the International day for Older Persons with the theme, ‘Sustainability and Age Inclusiveness in the urban environment.’
A program marking International Day of Older Persons was conducted at Ikishe Village Church’s, in Dimapur, compound. Speaking amongst the seniors of the community the chief guest Deputy Commissioner of Dimapur district, Kesonyu Yhome said that the ‘oneness’ that the Naga people once shared among each other was disappearing now ‘with the growth of population.’ The trend of thought for oneself only, he said, has taken over community feelings.
Disheartened by the present scenario where many children live as ‘liabilities’ to parents, DC said that such trend should be put to an end while apologizing on behalf of all the children.
He said the responsibility to look after ones parents should be considered s the most important priority of every child.
Feeling privileged to talk in such a programme and in the midst of elders and calling the seniors as chief guests, Kesonyu Yhome urged upon all senior citizens to spread and teach the Naga culture of honest living which was once practiced by our ancestors. He said, the senior citizens must bestow the honest and oneness living of our ancestors for the generations of tomorrow towards a better society.
Recognition of distinguished Older Person under Dimapur district were awarded to 83 years old Lhusi Haralu who at present is the Executive Director of Nagaland Peace Centre and 81 years old Padmashree Melhupra Vero (Ex-MP) who is also the first Naga MP to the Rajhya Sabha and a recipient of the prestigious Padmashree Award by the President of India.
In the district of Dimapur, altogether 6, 549 senior citizens are receiving the beneficiaries under the Social Welfare department out of which 5, 575 are pensioners, 480 widows, and 309 persons with disabilities and 183 who are visually challenged.