Thaawar Chand Gehlot, Union Minster for Social Justice & Empowerment flagged off Walkathon on the International Day of Older Persons here today. Flagging of the “Walkathon” he said it is not only a symbol of expression of solidarity with our older generation, but also an act that gives a strong message to the whole world that the senior citizen are an integral part of the society and the contributions of the elderly are held valuable. Highlighting the importance of the event, the Minister said that the celebration of the International Day of Older Persons every year, gives us an opportunity for talking a hard look at the multifarious problems related to old age and its implications on the society at large. The problems faced by the elderly are not merely confined to them. It has serious repercussions on the family, society, government and all strata of the society. Therefore, it is of utmost importance that the society gives due attention and care to the problems of the elderly and strives to find feasible solutions to the ill effects so that the suffering of the elderly are mitigated and the adverse effect on the society created by the problems are reduced he added.
The Minister said that the international Day also provides an occasion for introspection as to how the society has been treating their elders and whether the older generation has got due recognition for their past contribution and whether their wisdom, wealth for experience and physical potential are being recognized put to use at the optimum level. Congratulating the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment for organizing functions to mark the International Day of Older Persons, Shri Gehlot said that keeping healthy and active is perhaps the most important factor to keep away the ill effects of the ageing process. It is universally recognized that physical exercise goes a long way in promoting good health. Urging people to participate in ‘Swachh Bharat Mission’, he said that since health and cleanliness are inseparably related to each other, it is of utmost importance that we strive to keep our surroundings and the environment perfectly clean, if. He exhorted the school children to take the message of ‘Swachh Bharat’ to their schools and homes.