National Senior Citizens Day-2022 was celebrated with great enthusiasm and fervour today here in District Anantnag.On the occasion, a series of multifarious functions and activities were organised by the Social Welfare Department Anantnag across the district.
A number of senior citizens hailing from different areas of the district participated in such activities.The main function was held at Govt Higher Secondary School Ranibagh which was presided over by Chairman District Development Council, Mohammad Yousuf Gorsi as Chief Guest.
DSWO, BMO Achabal, TSWO Anantnag, medical doctors besides senior citizens from and nearby areas of the main town also attended the event.Speaking on the occasion, the DDC Chairman said that the National Senior Citizens Day marks an important event to celebrate the struggle and achievements of the Senior Citizens.
He said that it is imperative for every citizen to recognise the contributions of the Senior Citizens for their families, society and the nation at large.The Senior Citizens also spoke about their life stories including their childhood, journey from youth to senility and the common challenges faced during this journey.
They expressed their views vis a vis the day and also shared their poetry and other skills with the audience. As a token of love and respect, they were felicitated with trophies and momentoes.On the sidelines of the event, a medical check up and health monitoring camp for Senior Citizens was organised by the Department of Health.
The medical experts imparted awareness to the Senior Citizens about common geriatric diseases like hypertension, diabetes, common cold etc and their effective management and control. Role of adaptive life style and diet suited to health condition and age group was also elaborated in detail.
Senior Citizens were made aware about their rights, various Govt Schemes and the helpline numbers like Elderline (14567) to seek any help or report any elder abuse. Provision for on spot registrations for Golden Sehat Cards, eShram etc was also made available for the senior citizens.
Similar programmes were organised by the Social Welfare Department at Shangus, Achabal, Kokernag, Dooru, Bijbihara and Aismuqam. The respective DDC members/BDC Chairpersons attended these functions besides the TSWOs, Medical Doctors, other PRI/ULB members and a number of senior citizens from these localities.
At these places, picnics to local parks and recreation spots were also organised for senior citizens and they were ferried in special vehicles arranged by the Department. They took the opportunity to spend some time together and interacted with each other after a long time.
To spread awareness and sensitise masses about the dignity of senior citizens, hoardings and banners depicting theme and purpose of the day were installed at different prominent places of the district. Besides, pamphlets were distributed and the content was displayed through LEDs of the Municipalities.
The senior citizens and common people expressed their gratitude to the District Administration and the UT Government for recognising their potential and contributions through such events.