DIMAPUR, October 1: Nagaland joined the rest of the world in celebrating International Day of Older Persons on the theme “Take a stand against ageism” by organising various programmes to honour the senior citizens.
MOKOKCHUNG: Mokokchung district observed the International Day of Older Persons at Ongpangkong Salang, Mokokchung.
On the occasion, two senior citizens namely Imdanglemla of Mopungchuket village and Tekayaba of Mongchen village were felicitated in recognition of their outstanding contribution towards the society. DC Mokokchung Sushil Kumar Patel presented the citation to the awardees.
Sushil Kumar Patel, in his speech, said people never retire and therefore older persons must not feel that they are a burden but rather consider themselves as an asset to the society. He urged upon the older persons to start second innings in life by taking a step forward and by overcoming ageism.
In his message to young people, the DC said it should be the responsibility of young people to take good care of older persons in one’s own family as well as in the society. He further said that society should seek blessings from the elders and acknowledge their contributions.Talking about human value, Deputy Commissioner has likened like to an investment saying everyone will get in return according to his/her deeds.
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District Welfare Officer, Mokokchung, Bendangkokba delivered keynote address, while speech on behalf of senior citizens was said by vice president of Mokokchung District Pensioners’ Association, Tiamongba, special prayer for the older persons was pronounced by Pastor of Kumlong Baptish Church Mokokchung, Rev. I Lima Jamir, and the vote of thanks was proposed by CDPO Mangkolemba, Imliyanger. The programme was chaired by CDPO Changtongya, Tsungrusungla.
WOKHA: In Wokha, International Day of Older Persons was held at Tiyi Town Hall, Wokha, with the ADC Wokha, Thavaseelan said as the chief guest. In his speech, chief guest said the day is observed to show gratitude and respect to senior citizens who were once the torch bearers of the society. He also said we should reconsider our attitude towards older persons and show love and respect because they have played equal responsibility and contributed for the progress of the society.
CDPO, Wokha, Soren Kikon, while speaking on the significance of the international Day of Older Persons, stated that the day is observed to appreciate the contributions they have made for the progress of the society and to raise awareness about issues concerning them about health issues, emotional issues, elderly abuse, financial and housing issues. He also highlighted the rights, policies and benefits of older persons introduced by the government.
On the occasion, Thungchano Tsanglao and Rykho Kikon were presented awards by the chief guest. The function was chaired by DWO, Wokha, Zubemo Kikon, while the vote of thanks was delivered by Chairman Senior Citizen Forum, Wokha.
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Nagaland Seniors’ Citizen Forum Zunheboto District Unit (NSCFZDU), in collaboration with the Department of Social Welfare, organised the 9th International Day for Older Persons at Town Hall, Zunheboto.
Speaking on the occasion as chief guest, former Chief Medical Officers (CMO), Dr. Viheshe Yepthomi said, elders are assets in the society and storehouse of information, integrity and knowledge. While urging the younger generations to respect elders, CMO exhorted the gathering to be ambassadors of change and live exemplary lives.
District Welfare Officer (DWO), S Wati Ozukum, in his brief speech, said Government of India started observing Older Person’s Day from 2004 and subsequently in Nagaland since 2008. Stating that old age is not a curse but a boon, he urged the gathering to feel proud for the contributions they have given to the society.
Khekiye Rochill and Tosheli Chishi were conferred best senior citizens award. Special prayer for older persons was said by Senior Pastor of SBCZ, Rev. Yevito Jimo. The programme was chaired by Izhekhu, President of NSCFZDU, while the vote of thanks was proposed by Akuto Chishi.
In Mon, International Day of Older Persons was observed at Council Hall, Mon town, with Superintendent of Police, Mon, Yangba, as the guest of honour. The programme was organised by Department of Social Welfare.
Encouraging the older persons to keep themselves engaged, Yangba said no one can fight against ageism but fight for good health. He asked the older persons to keep their health in good condition. He also requested the people to take a pledge to make a difference on the international day of older persons starting from one’s family taking care of elderly people to bring a much needed change.
On the occasion, free health check up for senior citizens was carried out by a medical team. Khampei (90 years) and Nonga (80 years) were felicitated as the oldest man and woman respectively.
The programme was led by Wango CDPO, Aboi, while Z Murie, DWO Mon, spoke on significance of International Day of Older persons.
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International Day for Older Person in Ahthibung was held at the Town Hall, organised by Social Welfare Department, Peren district. EAC Ahthibung, Lithrila, speaking as a chief guest, said the day was started in the year 1991 and observed all over the world. Stressing on theme, she said the old aged persons are not burdens to the society but rather a blessing for the family and the society. She also congratulated all the elderly people for attaining senior citizenship which was the gift from God.
Dr. Thangmong briefed on good health maintenance for elderly person. District Welfare Officer, Nokcharenla Longchar, who also delivered vote of thanks, presented citation along with the cash award to the oldest woman Nemneng (93) and oldest man Sekhose (87).
Earlier, special song was presented by Auxiliary Health workers of Ahthibung, while CDPO Namhuheing chaired the programme. A total of 155 elderly persons attended the programme.
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International Day of Older Persons in Phek was organised by the Department of Social Welfare in collaboration with District Legal Service Authority & District Senior Citizen Association Phek at SIRD Hall, Phek town. Special guest speaker, Longshi Ezung, spoke on “Maintenance and welfare of parents and senior Citizen Act 2007’.
The Best Senior Citizen awards were given to Zhetoi Lohe and Nokrolu Dozo. The function was led by Shesuyi Vese, president of Phek District Senior Citizens’ Association, while the significance of the day was highlighted Keneikesangulie CDPO Phek and the vote of thanks was pronounced by Khutseyi Vero, Executive Member, Phek District Senior Citizen Association.
United Tuensang Elderly leaders union (UTELU) organised International Day of Older Persons programme at CKS Hall, Tuensang, with Alem Jongshi, Deputy Commissioner, Tuensang, as the chief guest. The programme was sponsored by Department of Social Welfare.
Addressing the gathering, DC said that the assembly of such older people should be optimistically called as an assembly of wiser people. Basing on the theme, he advised the elder people to live with correct attitude and not just to surrender to
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old age. He urged upon them to use their wisdom and experiences to mold the younger generation in right direction.
On the occasion, UTELU conferred award to Apenla (93) and Yimkyuming (95), the oldest lady and man of Tuensang. Special Prayer for the senior citizens was pronounced by Rev. Dr. Yanger SBCTT.
Simultaneously, Legal Service Authority of Tuensang gave awareness on the rights of elderly people on Maintenance and Welfare of the Parents & Senior citizens Act 2007.
District Welfare Officer Tuensang gave an introductory speech and elaborated on the schemes and policies of the central and state government on safeguard of the elderly people.
Kohima District Legal Services Authority observed International Day of Older Persons with the residents of Old Age Home, Kohima. At theprogramme, Mezivolu T Therieh, NJS, Chief Judicial Magistrate, Kohima & Secretary, Kohima District Legal Services Authority, ex
pressed her gratitude to senior citizens for their contributions made to the society.
Speaking on Maintenance and Welfare of Parents And senior Citizens Act 2007, she says that, the Act is enacted to provide more effective provisions for the maintenance and welfare of parents and senior citizens who are above 60 years of age . She also said it makes a legal obligation for children and heirs to provide maintenance to parents and senior citizens by monthly allowance upto Rs. 10,000/- and informed that the law has entrusted the state government with the responsibility to set up Old Age Homes, which is yet to be established.
However, she lauded the contributions of the state government in recognizing the Old Age Home, Kohima and contributing to the said home. The free legal services that can be provided though legal services authority was also highlighted and urged that any senior citizen may avail the service of the Legal Services Authority without hesitation. She further encouraged the senior citizens to have a positive outlook on life and stay active mentally and physically and continue to be an asset to the society.
Akumla Longchari, panel lawyer spoke on the topic of Legal Aid and Legal Services. She explained the hierarchy of the Legal Services Authority in the country and also various services that are provided by the legal services authority, where services are rendered in the form of counselling, mediation, legal awareness programmes, representing the poor and marginalized through court based activities free of cost. Also the concept of Lok Adalat, where legal matters are settled through conciliation and compromise were elaborated.
Neithonuo, Managing Director, Old Age Home, Kohima shared how around the world, seniors citizens are being celebrated and shown respect on this special occasion. She explained the aims and objectives, and criteria for enrolment as a resident. She said the present establishment was founded in the year 2005 and for a considerable length of time the endeavour was not recognized by the government, but she said that Social Welfare department has started to make contribution and recognizes the establishment for which appreciation. Further, she informed that besides the said department, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has stepped forward and has shown their support which is a huge encouragement to the management.
A total of 22 senior residents, staff members and panels lawyers from Kohima attended the programme.
Dimapur District Legal Services Authority in collaboration with Criminal Justice Fellowship Program, Tata Institute of Social Sciences commemorated International Day of older Persons at Tribal Old Age Home.
In her welcome speech, Nikita Engheepi, Criminal Justice Fellow said the day was to celebrate all the older people and value them and also highlighted the problem of ageism growing in the state. She said that law is equally available for all and thus it important for the older people to understand and know their rights.
Advocate Esther, briefed various schemes and rights that are available for them. She said healthcare, travelling are also mandatory care of older people by their children and relatives. Advocate Zuchembeni presented on role of legal aid.
In the informal session, older persons shared their grievances and cleared their confusions on the rights available to them. Gifts were also distributed to them.
