DIMAPUR, OCTOBER 12 (MExN): In a first of its kind endeavor in Nagaland, the programme of “Sponsor a Grandparent” was inaugurated today at the IMC Hall, Dimapur. This initiative is being undertaken by Prodigal’s Home, in coordination with HelpAge India, which is an organization working nation wide for the disadvantaged and needy elderly.
This organization has been working for the past 30 years to provide free medical treatment, ration distribution, running Day Care Centers, Old Age Homes etc. With its motto; “fighting Isolation, poverty & neglect”, HelpAge India endeavors to give the elderly, an experience of active aging and also sensitize the younger generation to respect and help the elderly. At the same time, this organization wished to make the elderly people of the society start valuing themselves as senior citizens and be a role model for the younger generation.
In Nagaland, HelpAge India had been working with Prodigal’s Home since March 2007 and with their help, Prodigal’s Home is said to have adopted 50 grandparents from four villages. It was disclosed during the meeting that every month, Rs. 500 worth of food and basic necessities are provided to these ‘adopted grannies’
The Chief Guest of the Inauguration program, District Welfare Officer (DWO), Khehuto Sema, addressed the elders saying that they were the gold and diamonds of the society since they were, now the only connection between the traditional customs, village culture etc. he also briefly highlighted the Old Age stipend that is given to the elderly in the state. The DWO at the same time assured the NGOs, seeking government assistance for Old Age Homes, to forward their proposal as he would submit it to the government. He however cautioned that the building would first have to be constructed as the old people needed space.
Earlier in the program, students of Delhi Public School presented a special number and a presentation of HelpAge India Programmes was given by Indrani Sen.
