Nagaland observes International Day of Older Persons 2019

Elderly people along with others after the celebration of International Day of Older Persons 2019 held at Yongnyah Community Hall, Longleng district on October 1. (DIPR Photo)

Dimapur, October 4 (MExN): The International Day of Older Persons 2019 was observed across the State with various programmes held under different themes on October 1 last.

The Western Sümi Totimi Hoho (WSTH) in its commemoration visited two elderly women GBs – S Hotoli Zhimomi of Sukhato village and Toheli N Zhimomi of Pukhato Village under Niuland sub-division, Dimapur. In a first of such initiative, the team was led by WSTH President, G Jolly Zhimomi and Vice President, Anali Sema. Altogether 20 of the members and executive members took part, where they held a short prayer programme and prayed for both the elders.

Hotoli Zhimomi, wife of late Sukhato Zhimomi is a 97 year old woman and the current Head GB of Sukhato Village. She took over the role of head of the village in 1977 after the demise of her husband and remained on the seat till 1985. After a gap of 21 years, she once again took over her responsibilities and has been tirelessly working for the village up till now, a press release from WSTH stated.

76 year old Toheli N Zhimomi, wife of late Nighoto Zhimomi recently took over her husband’s responsibilities as Assistant GB on January 11, 2019. The WSTH aimed to continue such steps in the future.

Phek: Marking the day, Chüketshe Society (CKS) organized a one day retreat for elderly persons at CRC-Upper, Khezhakeno village under Phek district under the theme “Valuing Age.”

Timikha Koza, president Tenyimi People’s Organisation (TPO) graced the occasion as the guest speaker.
He encouraged the elderly persons to continue to remain steadfast in the quest to guide and bestow their blessings upon the younger generations in the path of truth and honor. The programme was also graced by Khezhakeno EAC Vithwel Kweho and Chakhesang Students’ Union president Lavoto Chizo.

Altogether, 55 elderly persons (80 years plus) attended the programme. Rev Dr Vetso Koza, Pastor, Chakhesang Baptist Church Kohima prayed for the elderly persons.

Kohima: The National Programme for Health Care of the Elderly (NPHCE) under the Department of Health & Family Welfare observed the day at Meriema village. Chaired by the council chairman, Meriema village, Kelhoupralie Whuorie, the program started with a keynote address by Dr Manyau Phom, Deputy Director (NHM), DHFW. Dr S Neiphrezo, Junior Specialist (NHAK) gave a brief talk on the measures to prevent diabetes and hypertension by taking right amount of diet, staying active and going for regular health check-ups. The program concluded with screening of NCDs for elders where, 46 of them were screened for blood pressure and blood sugar and free medicines were provided.  

Longleng: In Longleng the day was celebrated at Yongnyah Community Hall under the theme ‘Journey to Age Equality.’ Speaking on the theme, Mongngoi, Associate Pastor Yongnyah Village shared the inequality and disrespect shown to the elderly people in the present days both in the family and community. As per DIPR report, quoting a verse from the Holy Bible, he appealed to the gathering to “adhere to the teaching of Jesus Christ as Christians and learn to love and respect others.” He encouraged the gathering of elderly people to acknowledge the love of God and His grace and reminded them how fortunate and blessed they are at this age. Earlier, the CDPO Longleng Y Tauhong spoke on the significance of the day. Invocation was done by Rev Ongei, Pastor NCRC and Chamdok, Supervisor chaired the programme.