Dimapur, October 1 (MExN): Communities around the world observed the International Day of Older Persons on October 1 with the theme ‘take a stand against ageism’ as designated by the United Nations to recognize the vital contributions of older people to the global community and to encourage member nations to thoughtfully address the aging of the population. In Nagaland, the day was observed across the districts headquarters with government departments and organisations.
Wokha: International Day for Older Persons was observed at Tiyi Town Hall, Wokha on October 1, with ADC, Wokha, Thavaseelan (IAS) as the chief guest.
Addressing the gathering the chief guest said that we should reconsider our attitude towards older persons and show love and respect because they have played equal responsibility and contributed for the progress of the society. CDPO, Wokha, Soren Kikon, while speaking on the significance of the day also highlighted the rights, policies and benefits of older persons introduced by the government. Thungchano Tsanglao and Rykho Kikon were presented awards of distinguished Senior Citizens by the chief guest.
Zunheboto: The 9th International Older Persons Day was observed on October 1 at Town Hall, Zunheboto organised by Nagaland Senior Citizen Forum Zunheboto District Unit in collaboration with the Department of Social Welfare. Former Chief Medical Officers, Dr. Viheshe Yepthomi as chief guest while urging the younger generations to respect elders, exhorted the gathering to be ambassadors of change and live exemplary lives. District Welfare Officer, S. Wati Ozukum said that the Government of India started observing Older Person's Day from 2004, and Nagaland is doing the same since 2008.
Two best district senior citizens were awarded to Khekiye Rochill and Tosheli Chishi. Special prayer for older persons was made by Sr. Pastor, SBCZ, Rev. Yevito Jimo.
Mon: International Day of Older persons was observed on October 1 at Council Hall Mon town with SP Mon, Yangba as the guest of honour which was organised by the Department of Social Welfare, Nagaland under the theme 'Take a stand against Ageism'.
The guest of honour encouraged the older persons to keep themselves engaged. He said that no one can fight against ageism but one can fight for good health. Therefore he encouraged the older persons to keep their health in good condition.
Free health check up of senior citizens was done by a medical team and Khampei (90 years) and Nonga (80 years) were felicitated as the oldest man and woman respectively.
PHEK: The Department of Social Welfare in collaboration with District Legal Service Authority & District Senior Citizen Association Phek observed the International Day of Older Persons' on October 1 at SIRD Hall, Phek Town.
District & Session Judge, Chairman of District Legal Service Authority Phek, Longshi Ezung was the special guest speaker. He spoke on ‘Maintenance and welfare of parents and senior Citizen Act 2007.’
The Best Senior Citizen award was given to Zhetoi Lohe and Nokrolu Dozo. The celebration was led by Shesuyi Vese, President, Phek District Senior Citizen Association. The significance of the International day of Older Persons ‘Take a stand Against Ageism’ was highlighted Keneikesa Ngulie CDPO Phek.
MOKOKCHUNG: Organized by the office of the District Welfare, Mokokchung, programme was held in observance of International day for older Persons under the theme ‘Take a stand against Ageism’ at Ongpangkong Salang on October 1.
Two Senior Citizens, Imdanglemla of Mopungchuket village and Tekayaba of Mongchen village were felicitated in recognition of their outstanding contribution towards the society. DC Mokokchung Sushil Kumar Patel presented the citation to the awardees.
Sushil Kumar Patel IAS, in his speech said that in true sense, people never retire and therefore older persons must not feel that they are a burden but rather consider themselves as an asset for the society.
District Welfare Officer, Mokokchung, Bendangkokba delivered the keynote address, speech on behalf of senior Citizens was said by vice president, Mokokchung District Pensioners Association, Tiamongba, special prayer for the older persons was pronounced by Pastor, Kumlong Baptish Church Mokokchung.
TUENSANG: International Day for the Older People observed at CKS Hall Tuensang on October 1. The programme was organized by United Tuensang Elderly leaders union (UTELU) and sponsored by Department of Social Welfare under the theme ‘Take a stand against ageism.’
Alem Jongshi Deputy Commissioner Tuensang was the chief guest of the function. UTELU also nominated and awarded Apenla, 93 and Yimkyuming, 95 as the oldest female and male respectively of Tuensang.
District Welfare Officer Tuensang gave an introductory speech where he elaborated on the schemes and policies of the Central and state government on safeguard of the elderly people. Special Prayer for the Senior Citizens was pronounced by Rev. Dr. Yanger SBCTT.
DIPR news
SVGEUKD: Seyochung Village Government Employees’ Union Kiphire District (SVGEUKD) observed International Day of Older Person, at its Union’s treasure at Kiphire on October 1. The programme was chaired by the office bearers. Welcome address was delivered by the President Daniel Sechopi Sangtam, and Invocation was pronounced by Aliba T, while significance of International Day of Older Person was presented by General Secretary K. Alipa Sangtam. Message invoking God’s blessing was pronounced by Vice-president Selicho Sangtam. Pilito Sangtam Retd. Teacher spoke on behalf of older person. Eleven selected aged person were presented with a blanket.
Dimapur District Legal Services Authority: Dimapur District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) in collaboration with Criminal Justice Fellowship Program, Tata Institute of Social Sciences celebrated the International Day of Older Person at the Tribal Old Age Home.
Nikita Engheepi, Criminal Justice Fellow in the welcome speech said that the day was to celebrate all the older people and value them. She highlighted the problem of Ageism and how unfortunately, it is slowly growing in the state as well. She said that law is equally available for all and thus it important for the older people to understand and know their rights. Advocate Esther further emphasised on the various schemes and rights that are available for them. Healthcare, travelling and also mandatory care of them by their children and relatives were also highlighted. Advocate Zuchembeni ended the program by speaking about the role of legal aid.
Gift and refreshment was served and the team then sat for an informal session where the older persons spoke about their grievances and cleared their confusions on the rights available to them.
MExN
Senior citizens honoured at Old Age Home
[caption id="attachment_221862" align="aligncenter" width="965"]
Senior citizen sharing during the interactive session on the occasion of International Day of Older Persons held at Old Age Home, Kohima.[/caption]
Kohima, October 1 (MExN): The Kohima District Legal Services Authority (KDLSA) celebrated the International Day of Older Persons with the residents of the Old Age Home, Kohima.
Mezivolu T Therieh, NJS, Chief Judicial Magistrate, Kohima & Secretary, Kohima District Legal Services Authority, while speaking on Maintenance and Welfare of Parents And senior Citizens Act 2007 said that this Act is enacted to provide more effective provisions for the maintenance and welfare of parents and senior citizens who are above 60 years of age. It makes a legal obligation for children and heirs to provide maintenance to parents and senior citizens by monthly allowance upto Rs. 10,000 .The law has entrusted the State Government with the responsibility to set up Old Age Homes, which is yet to be established. However, she lauded the contributions of the State Government in recognizing the Old Age Home, Kohima and contributing to the said home. Akumla Longchari, panel lawyer spoke on the topic of Legal Aid and Legal Services.
A press release informed that altogether 22 senior residents, staff members and panels lawyers from Kohima attended the programme which was chaired by Hisinlo Himb, Panel lawyer. Nancy Ezung, Panel Lawyer enthralled the gathering with a song and entertainment session was conducted by Esther Khing, panel lawyer.
Elders are storehouses of “experience and knowledge”
[caption id="attachment_221863" align="aligncenter" width="1517"]
Parliamentary Secretary for I&FC, N Jacob Zhimomi (centre), along with the two elders who were awarded for their contribution to society on the occasion of ‘International Day for older persons’ held on October 1. (Morung Photo)[/caption]
Morung Express News Dimapur | October 1
Along with the rest of the world, Dimapur district celebrated ‘International Day for Older Persons’ at Diphupar Ao Baptist Church compound with Parliamentary Secretary for Irrigation & Flood Control, N Jacob Zhimomi, as the chief guest.
The celebration was organized by Office of the District Welfare Officer, Dimapur, on the theme ‘Take a Stand against Ageism.’
The Parliamentary Secretary in his address called upon Naga society, especially the younger generation, to imbibe and practice one of the unique cultural values of the Naga forefathers – respect for elders.
Jacob said with the passage of time and medley of cultural influences from outside, elders in the society are no longer given due respect and veneration as in the past. He said the present generation has failed to acknowledge the immense contribution of elders in shaping and moulding individual lives as well as society. He reminded that elders are storehouses of “experience and knowledge” which money cannot buy and without which any society cannot progress.
Jacob further urged all concerned not to discriminate or neglect elders both within and outside the house and added that in the twilight of their lives, the elders too need attention and care.
On the occasion, Jacob and his wife also gifted blankets to all the elders who attended the celebration. District programme officer, Social Welfare Department Dimapur, Nezolu Rhakho, spoke on the theme of this year’s International Day celebration. CDPO Kuhuboto, Hutoi, read out the profiles of two elders who were awarded for their distinguished services to the society.
The Parliamentary Secretary handed over certificates and gifts to the two recipients – former minister, K Hollohon, and Khriemoii Liegise, founder and president of Naga Women Hoho Dimapur (1970). District Welfare Officer, Dimapur, Tosheli Zhimomi, chaired the celebration programme.
CDPO Dhansiripar, Anuo Sazo, proposed vote of thanks.
