Joining the rest of the world, Good Samaritan Senior Citizen’s Home today observed International Day of Older Persons (IDOP) at Old Age Home, Meriema, Kohima under the theme "Digital Equality for All Ages." Dr. R. Rose exhorted the gathering. The programme was chaired by Mercy Theünuo while welcome speech was pronounced by Pangmei Phom. The celebration includes a special presentation by the staff of the home and other individuals.
Kohima, October 1 (MExN): International Day of Older Persons was observed with the theme, ‘digital equity for all ages’ at Ura Hotel, Kohima organized by the Department of Social Welfare (DoSW), Nagaland.
In his speech, Senior Citizens Association Nagaland (SCAN), President, Khekiye K Sema, IAS (Rtd) said that DoSW is an important department as it directly concerns with the welfare of the people at various levels. He highlighted how in the olden days the elders were taken care of by their family but sadly we are progressing towards a time where especially our senior citizens are going to be caught up with the urban needs where they are going to be left alone.
Therefore, he challenged the department to look into avenues such as opening up of a recreation centres for the elders, if possible in every colony in the urban areas as well as in the rural areas to enable them to come together and mingle. He also stressed for the need to help our senior citizens enjoy facilities enjoyed by the rest of the world be made available to our senior citizens such as 50% subsidy in health care , transport and others that are due to them.
Aloino Old Age Ministry, Dimapur, commemorated International Day of Older Persons at Aloino Centre on October 1. The celebration was marked by prayer fellowship and distribution of gifts to the elderly persons.
He also informed that the Chief Minister of Nagaland has assured that he will try to make an assessment where senior citizens can be helped with aligned department and will issue a notification.
Sarah R Ritse, Commissioner & Secretary to the Govt. of Nagaland, Social Welfare in her short speech also explain the gathering that though there are many things that the department wants to do for the welfare of its beneficiaries, they are unable to do so due to fund constraint.
She reminded that though the department is the nodal department for the welfare of its citizens, a collective responsibility is needed from all sectors and sections of the Nagaland department as well as society to fully look into the welfare of its citizens. She highlighted the problems faced in disbursing of Old Age Pension through DBT mode where many anomalies were found in the particulars of the beneficiaries’ aadhar and bank account and in the census report due to which many elderly were not able to open bank account.
K Wango Langsym, Assistant Director who chaired the programme informed that under the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Senior Citizens home will be opened in all the districts very soon. Also, The Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment and Rural Development are going to collaborate and set up Self Help Groups for all the Senior Citizens in Rural areas.
During the event, two senior citizens namely Khinyi Woch a retired government servant and a keen social worker and Tozheli Zhimomi, a church worker, house wife and a social worker were awarded the States Distinguished Senior Citizens Awards. The award was handed by Sarah R Ritse.
Kohima: In Kohima, during the occasion observed at District Welfare Office, the ‘Distinguished Senior Citizen Award’ were conferred to Vasasüle Metha and BK Sachü, both retired private school teachers, in recognition of their contributions to the society as teachers and mentors of students. District Welfare Officer, Kohima, Akali Sema gave the welcome address and keynote speech. The citations of the awardees were read out by Neikesonuo, UDA, while Rev James C Neikhrienyü, Senior Pastor of Baptist Mission Church gave the invocation prayer. Vote of thanks was pronounced by Welfare Inspector, Zahebeituo Kire.
Mon: Social Welfare Department Mon observed the day at DRDA Hall Mon with SDO(C) Mon Hq, Illika Zhimomi, NCS as the special guest. DWO, Mon, Y Tauhong Ngonyen felicitated two distinguished senior citizen, Lyu-Ao Konyak and T Phamtong Konyak. CDPO Mon, Renchano Odyuo, also felicitated two retired senior citizens from the Department, Rtd. Chowkidar, Thongwang and Rtd. Chowkidar, Hongpheang. CDPO, Phomching, Laitak delivered the keynote address. The programme was chaired by LDA, DWO Office Mon, Yumah and Welfare Inspector, DWO Mon, Golang Kheman delivered the vote of thanks
Peren: Two senior citizens from Peren district, Hellam Kuki from Ahthibung town and Lhingjahat Mangjel from Songlhuh Village were honoured and felicitated with certificates and cash in recognition of their great contributions to the society during the observance held at DC's Conference Hall, Peren. The programme was organised by Department of Social Welfare, Peren. Deputy Commissioner Peren, Sentiwapang Aier, NCS and District Welfare Officer Peren, Asangla spoke during the programme.
Longleng: In Longleng the programme was held in the presence of CMO Longleng Dr Obangjungla at Longleng Town Baptist Church. T Longlang Luckpan, CDPO Longleng spoke on the significance of the day.
Advocate A Mane Phom Retainer Lawyer LDLSA sensitised the gathering on “Old Age Pensions Scheme” under Social Welfare Department & Maintenance of Senior Citizen Act, while Panglang Y Phom PL LDLSA identified the beneficiaries and assisted them to avail the IGNOAPS. CMO Longleng gave away the District Level award to two distinguished senior citizens of the district namely L Phumla Phom daughter of Lt. C. Langnyei of Pongo village and N Metpong Phom son of Lt. Nganlam Phom of Bhumnyu village in recognition of their valuable service rendered to the society. Altogether 195 Senior Citizens of the district attended the programme.
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