Nagaland University hosts workshop on elderly issues

Lumami, October 15 (MExN): The inaugural session of two-day national-level workshop on elderly issues, sponsored by the National Institute of Social Defence, Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Government of India, was held at the conference hall, Department of Sociology, Nagaland University on October 15.

The participants included representatives of six neighbouring villages, research scholars and postgraduate students. The session was chaired by Prof Temjensosang, Dept of Sociology, NU.  In her i ntroductory address, Prof Toshimenla Jamir, Head of Department and Convenor of the workshop provided a comprehensive overview of the objectives and expected outcomes of the workshop. 

The Vice-Chancellor of NU, Prof Jagadish K Patnaik in his address emphasized the importance of academic collaboration, interdisciplinary engagement, and the need to integrate scholarly research into policy frameworks addressing elderly issues.

The keynote address was delivered by Prof Mala Kapur Shankardass who retired as Professor from Delhi University and is expert in gerontology and social policy. She highlighted insights on ranges of critical concern affecting the elderly, including social exclusion, financial vulnerability, and the lack of comprehensive policy support. She emphasised the need for increased awareness, strategic planning, and policy formulation, underpinned by a sociological perspective. 

Her address also highlighted the importance of integrating academic insights into policy-making to ensure inclusive and equitable solutions for the elderly population.

The session concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr Sandeep Gupta, Associate Professor, Dept of Sociology.