Our Correspondent
Kohima | October 1
Nagaland today observed the International Day of Older Persons across the state under the aegis of the Department of Social Welfare, Nagaland.
In a state level programme held here at Red Cross Building under the theme ‘Stepping into the future: Tapping the talents, contributions and participation of older persons in the society,’ the occasion witnessed offering gifts and presentation of awards to senior citizens in recognition of their immense contribution to the society.
Speaking on behalf of Nagaland Senior Citizens Forum, KK Sema, IAS (Retd) said “we should be proud of our seniority.”
Maintaining that growing old is a privilege, he believed that the senior citizens have a lot to give to the society, in a world now that is turning upside down with a lot of corruption, political turmoil and difficulties.
He said it is time to thank God and return a little bit of the wisdom that God has allowed them and share their experiences and help the community to have better sense. Regretting that today there is a loss of values, he said “It is time for senior citizens to begin to participate with one another, stand with one another and help one another.”
“Each of us has a value, good sense that can be given back to the society in thanksgiving,” he said, adding they have no reason to give up their responsibility.
He further appealed to the senior citizens to begin to look at themselves as special people and contribute to the society. He said that the Nagaland Senior Citizens Forum has been active by way of submitting a memorandum to the Prime Minister on the Naga Political issue.
On this, Sema regretted that draconian laws are being imposed on our lives, adding that the Armed Forces Special Power Act is inhuman and undemocratic and therefore the Forum had sent a representation to the Prime Minister to let him know that this evil kind of law is no longer relevant in the modern society especially in the world of democracy.
“Today, our children need normalcy of peace without the fear of gun,” he said and stressed on the need to give space to the younger generation to be able to go forward like any other society anywhere else around the world.
Social Welfare Director, T. Merangtsungba Aier pointed out that in pursuance of a United Nation General Resolution of 14th December 1990, the first of October every year was declared as the International Day of Older Persons around the world.
“This auspicious day provides us an opportunity to acknowledge the wisdom and dignity contributed by the senior citizens to our society and to rededicate ourselves for their well being. Ageing is a natural process, which certainly occurs in human life cycle. Senior citizens constitute a precious reservoir of such human resources and are gifted with knowledge and experiences of various sorts and deep insights,” Aier maintained.
The Director informed that in India, the population of elder persons has increased from nearly 2 crore in 1951 to 8 crore in 2010 (i.e above 7% of the total population). It is said that the figure will cross 18 marks by 2025 which is only 8 years away from today.
Bano Vinito, Chairperson, Nagaland State Social Welfare Board in her address called upon the senior citizens to fear God and cultivate a positive mindset.
She maintained that everything is possible through positive attitude, adding that there is always a pleasant life as long as positive attitude exists. She also challenged the senior citizens to continue to strengthen the younger generation with their wisdom and experiences.
Social welfare OSD, Kewe-u Kenye called upon the senior citizens to have frequent get-togethers and move around to inspire the younger generation.
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