Our Correspondent
Mokokchung, OCTOBER 1
Joining with rest of the world the ‘International Day of Older Persons’ was also observed at Ongpangkong Salang in Mokokchung under the theme “Sustainability and Age Inclusiveness in Urban Environment” which was attended by around 100 senior citizen of the Town . The programme was organized by District Welfare office in collaboration with Day Care Centre for Elderly Person. Addressing the occasion, the Deputy Commissioner of Mokokchung Sushil Patel IAS, highlighted about the concept behind the United Nation resolution for designating International Day of Older Persons on this day. He also paid tributes to the senior citizens for their contribution to the society and its economy and urged them to continue their contribution to the society.
Saying that Indian highest body in decision making chairs is headed by older person such as the President and Prime Minister Etc. Patel asserted that the older persons are the pillar of social security in the society. Nonetheless, he also pointed that it is only through senior citizen that the young generations are imparting the rich knowledge of their custom and tradition and the moral values.
Further, The Deputy Commissioner also appealed the younger generation to have emotional attachment with their parents for their sacrifices they have undergone for who we are today.
Also, Imliyanger, The CDRO of Mangkolemba in his welcome & keynote address said that the world recognized the importance contribution make by older persons in the society. He asserted that the older person have the skill and knowledge to shift the world into a better future with their experience. In this regard he called upon the older person to guide the younger generation with this wisdom and knowledge for a brighter prospect.
Mokokchung District Pensioner Association (MDPA), president IB Meren also spoke on the spoke on the event. He informed that they are nearly 5000 registered pensioner in MDPA. Meren, who is also a member a Day Care Centre for Elderly Person, Mokokchung urged his senior citizen to visit Day Care Centre on operating Day i.e Monday, Tuesday and Friday and avail the facilities provided at the centre.
He lamented that the very mother tongue that signify one’s own root is being decreasing its importance and often alienated by the young generation. In this connection he urged the senior citizens to focus their attention to their childrens and grand children’s to ‘speak and write’ their own dialect and also to influence them the importance its holds.
Later, the Deputy Commissioner also gives away awards to two very important figures among the senior citizens. They are- Talitemjen Jamir born on 1929 from Ungma Village, for his distinguished service to both society and the state government as a teacher, an administrator, a bureaucrat and as a IG of Prisons. He is better known for its Ao literary figure and author of many books on Ao Tradition and Culture and also the proud collector of about 500 Ao Naga Song. L obangla Ao, born on 1948, retired as a headmistress and also an RTI trainer. She had also served in various organizations like the Watsu Mungdang. She is also a recipient of Bharat Excellency Award 2001. Both the recipients were given certificates along with cash amount of rupees 5000 each.
Senior Citizens of Mokokchung sharing their thought outside Ongpangkong Salang building during the International Day of Older Persons’ observed at Mokokchung on Thursday, October 1, 2015.
