Dimapur, October 1 (MExN): The International Day of Older Persons under the theme ‘Celebrating Older Human Rights Champions’ was observed in the state as well as district level in Nagaland on October 1. The day was observed “to reaffirm the commitment and promote full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by older persons.”
Dimapur: Department of Social Welfare, Dimapur, in collaboration with Dimapur District Legal Services Authority (DDLSA) organized the celebration of International Day of Older Persons on the theme “Celebrating Older Human Rights Champions” here at Ao Baptist Church, Burma Camp.
Chief judicial magistrate, Dimapur, and secretary DDLSA, Ajongba Imchen, who spoke on the topic “Legal right of older people” said Articles 41 and 46 of the Indian Constitution clearly state that it is the responsibility of the government to look after the welfare of senior citizens.
Referring to the recent protest in New Delhi by senior citizens demanding minimum wages from the government, the DDLSA secretary said older persons in the country have been a neglected lot despite their sacrifices in varied fronts and capacities.
Imchen was of the opinion that the present minimum wage given to senior citizens – Rs. 300 monthly those between 60 and 79 years and Rs. 500 for those 80 years and above was too meager considering the sacrifices and contributions they had rendered to the country. Quoting a recent survey which stated that in India a person needs minimum Rs. 2,700 per month for decent maintenance and survival, he said senior citizens have every right to demand the minimum wage.
The DDLSA secretary disclosed that many senior citizens are still being deprived of the minimum wage (Rs. 300 and Rs. 500) out of ignorance or sheer neglect from the government side as out of 8 crores senior citizens in the country, only half of them were getting the monthly wage.
Inmates of Open Doors old age home, Diphupar, presenting a Gospel song at the International Day of Older Persons celebration in Dimapur, Monday. (Morung Photo)[/caption] Imchen also informed the older persons of the Maintenance and welfare of parents and senior citizens Act 2007 and said the senior citizens can always take legal recourse if their basic human dignity and sustenance are being denied either by the children or relatives.
CDPO Niuland, Akali Sema, announced the names of two senior citizens, Smti. Kedouzulou Wetzah (80 years), founder of Nagaland Children Home, Diphupar, and 85-yearl old K Izheto Zhimomi, a social worker and head GB of Sakipheto, Pherima ‘B’ village, who received recognition citations for their contribution to the society.
Inmates of ‘Open Doors’ old age home, Diphupar, presented a Gospel song (What a friend we have in Jesus). On the occasion, all the senior citizens received gifts.
Earlier, DPO Dimapur, S Nezolu Rhakho, delivered the welcome address and District Welfare Officer, Dimapur, Tosheli Zhimomi, chaired the programme.
Mokokchung: In Mokokchung at Ongpangkong Salang, Mokokchung, organized by District Welfare Officer, Mokokchung. SDO (C) Mokokchung, Thungchanbemo Tungoe maintained that our society stands on the sacrifices and contributions made by older citizens; we should therefore with a sense of gratitude acknowledge it through respect and love. He called upon the older citizens to inculcate positive outlook in life so that they can continue to contribute to the society.
Delivering a short speech, President, Pensioner Association, Mokokchung, Tianochet highlighted some of the activities taken up by pensioner association for older citizens in the district.
Limanungsang Jamir, Panel Lawyer MDLSA spoke on the theme ‘Celebrating Older Human Rights Champions.’ In acknowledgement for the contributions made towards the society in various capacities, Special Awards were presented to K. Marla Aier, Retd Nurse and Nabin Changkiri, Rt. Headmaster.
Chuchuyimlang: At PHC Chuchuyimlang, an event was organized by the PHC staff to honour the elderly people. Free medical checkup was conducted and free medicine was distributed to all the 150 participants. Brief health talk was also highlighted during the occasion by Dr. Limanaro M.O. PHC Chuchuyimlang.
Zunheboto: The occasion was celebrated at Town Hall Zunheboto with Deputy Commissioner Zunheboto, Shanavas C, IAS as the guest speaker. The celebration was held in collaboration with Social Welfare Department, Zunheboto District Legal Services Authority and SBCZ Women Department Day Care for Old Aged Persons'.
Speaking at the celebration, the DC said that the senior citizens should have their rights and responsibilities. And that there are many old aged elderly persons in remote village areas and that the Senior Citizen Forum Zunheboto should organise workshops and seminars with resource persons to educate them and this kind of celebrations should not only be focused in towns but in villages and remote areas too. He added that the Zunheboto Administration is ever ready to help the SCFZ in any way if help is needed.
The resource person for the programme was Easter H Yepthomi, Retainer Lawyer Zunheboto who spoke on the rights and privileges of the senior citizens.
Tuensang: In Tuensang a programme was conducted at CKS Hall Tuensang with Additional Deputy Commissioner, Tuensang, P. Mono as the chief guest.
The ADC thanked the Social Welfare Department and United Tribes Elderly Leaders Union (UTELU) for organising the event. He stated that the universal declaration of Human Rights by UNO mentions that every human being is equal irrespective of race and colour. He added that every old person has equal rights with others like freedom from discrimination, freedom from violence, right to health and right to property and inheritance if any older Person is deprived of these rights, he/she should approach the authority for assistance, and for benefit of the older people the government is providing various plans and scheme.
He called upon the elders of the District to lead the young generation with their own experience and example of honesty, hard-work and wisdom. During the programme, Yapmuli Yimchunger, aged 98, and Sasela Chang, aged 97, were declared as the oldest persons from Tuensang Town.
Peren: District Welfare Office Peren in collaboration with the Peren District Legal Services Authority celebrated the International Day of Older Persons at Goan Bura Hall Peren Town.
Addressing at the function, ADC Chubawati Chang as Theme speaker, said that, Elderly people should be respected by one and all. He maintained that senior citizens are considered to be the protector of the society and they have vast experience and knowledge he added.
Speaking on the role and activities of the Peren District Legal Services Authority, Penal Lawyer, Asuni Newmai briefed on the maintenance and welfare of Peren and Senior Citizens Act 2007. She stated that this Act protects the parents and Senior Citizen from difficulties. She also said that PDLSA provides justice to the poor and downtrodden by providing assistance up to Rs. 10,000/-.
During the Function most elderly persons in Peren Town Heizuhangle- 93 Years Female Paurang (Rangkau) 83 Years male were also awarded with the citation.
Longleng: Longleng observed the day at EBRC hall, Longleng with Nuklu Phom, Former Executive Secretary PBCA as the special guest. The programme was organized by Department of Social Welfare in collaboration with District Legal Service Authority, Longleng.
Speaking on the significance of the day, Nuklu Phom emphasized on denying the rights and privilege to the senior citizens, discriminations and rejection in the family and society. Nuklu asserted that both abuse and respect begins at our own respective homes by our near and dear ones. Therefore, he encouraged them to maintain dignity and value of life and become champion of our own life to avoid discrimination and abuse in the community.
Nuklu felicitated the senior citizens and gave away special cash award to 96 year old Rev. L. Shongpang Outreach Missionary the senior most among the gathering and a prominent leader of the Phom community who have served as a government servant, National Worker and the Phom Baptist Church Association in various capacity till date. Rev. Shongpang also shared his life experience, exhorted his colleagues and invoked Gods’ blessing upon the senior citizens.
Hamnyei Angh, Project Assistant, Longleng District Legal Service Authority (LDLSA) spoke on Maintenance & Welfare of Parents & Senior Citizens Act 2007 while the President of the Senior Citizens Forum Longleng also spoke and lauded the organizing departments for organizing the program to honour the senior citizens of the district.
Felicitation and presentation to the senior citizens and Special Number by Henchemla the women folk were the highlights of the program. The program was chaired by Imetoshi and invocation was proposed by Associate Pastor LTBC Tanlei while the vote of thanks was pronounced by Nyumung K. Phom.
Phek: At Phek district, the department of Social Welfare and Senior Citizen Association Phek organized the celebration at DPDB Hall Phek.
Deputy Commissioner Phek, Orenthung Lotha NCS who was the guest speaker welcomed the older persons who came to attend the programme and also expounded on love and care for the older person.
The Best Senior Citizen award of the District for man and woman was presented by Deputy Commissioner Phek to Venietsulu Hoshi, age 104 years old and Thoputso Rhakho age 101 years old.
The function was chaired by Ranyi Vero, Vice President of Senior Citizen Association Phek District. Introductory remark was delivered by Mushusayi Tetseo, CDPO Phek. The Legal Service Authority Phek District gave short speech on legal and law provision for senior citizen.
NEISSR: North East Institute of Social Science and Research (NEISSR) observed the International Day of Older Persons with the aim to ‘Promote, Raise the visibility, Reflect and Engage.’ Dr. Amit Das, Assistant Professor highlighted the importance of the day. Relating to the theories of Erik Erikson and Sigmund Freud on the stages of life, he pointed out that old age as a stage of importance from the perspective of physical, mental, and emotional development.
It may be stated that there is a projected rapid growth in the number of older people in the developing world, with Asia as the region with the largest number of older persons, and Africa facing the largest proportionate growth.
According to the population census 2011, there are nearly 104 million elderly persons (aged 60 years and above) in India, out of which 53 million are females and 51 million males. In India there are many old age homes in the cities and metropolitan areas. These homes are taking care of the elderly people who are not accepted and not cared by their family members. Since the elderly people are not capable now to earn their living, they become a burden to their family and are also neglected in their own homes.
While the conditions of the elderly persons in the North Eastern region are much better as compared to the mainland area, Dr. Amit also added that commemoration of this International day of Older Persons should be an occasion to re-affirm our continued commitment to accept and take best care of our old age people.
Kohima Old Age Home: Kohima Old Age Home commemorated the day with Managing Director, Neithonuo Liegise exhorting the families, children and youths to give respect to the elderly people in the society, which according to her should start from every family and individual. She challenged the young people and the society to contribute their best service to the Senior citizens.
In joining with the celebration, the Kohima Mega Dance Fiesta Team entertained the senior citizens with different dance styles. The Nagaland Senior Citizens Forum and Directorate of Social Welfare also visited and presented gifts to the senior citizens of the Home. Refreshment was provided by Popular Bakery. (With inputs from DIPR news)
