International Day of Older Persons observed
Source: The Sangai Express / Mungchan Zimik
Ukl/Kpi/Kak/Bpr, October 01 2018:
While speaking in the observation of International Day of Older Persons at Ukhrul, Dr Nelson Vashum deliberated on the need to change the system of caring and honoring the older persons.
Dr Nelson stressed on concerted effort of every stakeholder to make sure seniors citizens to live healthy life and to age gracefully and purposefully apart from dependent on government assistance or intervention.
He maintained that senior citizens have to be treated with love and care while adding that desperation and loneliness is one of the factors that deteriorate their health.
It has been reported that Kharar Long (older forum) was formed in Ukhrul district in 2014 and has gradually expanded to all the villages but no tangible changes was visible so far in their welfare.
Chairman of Tangkhul Kharar Long (TKL) Felix expressed that it was the initiative of Dr Nelson Vashum under which older forum was formed in Ukhrul and added that no proper medical care, nutritional support and recreational facilities is yet to see inspite of their demands.
Over 250 from 27 units from different villages of Ukhrul district attended the observation of International Day of Older Persons at Viewland Baptist Church organized by Tangkhul Kharar Long.
Kangpokpi:
Kangpokpi joined the State in observing "International Day of Older Persons" with the theme 'Celebrating Older Human Rights Champion' at Multi-Purpose Hall, DC Office, Kangpokpi DHQs.
The observation was organized by District Social Welfare Officer, Kangpokpi in collaboration with the District Administration, Kangpokpi.
Dr Rangitabali Waikhom (IAS) Deputy Commissioner, Kangpokpi graced the occasion as chief guest while Paokhosei Kipgen, Vice President, Senior Citizens Forum, Kangpokpi and Joel G Haokip (MCS) Addl Deputy Commissioner, Kangpokpi attended the observance function as guest of honour.
Dr Thangpa Serto, Chief Medical Officer, Kangpokpi District attended the function as functional President while around 250 elders who are above 80 years attended the observation.
The elderly persons were distributed a blanket each as a token of love, concern and respect by the District Social Welfare Officer Kangpokpi and the District Administration Kangpokpi while Dr Rangitabali Waikhom and other dignitaries honour the elderly persons with simple gifts.
DSWO Kangpokpi, N Usharani Devi said that the observation was organized to raise awareness about issues affecting elderly persons and to appreciate contributions made by the older people to the society.
She recalled that the International Day of Older Persons was instituted by United Nations General Assembly by adopting resolution 45/106 in December 1990 for raising awareness about issues affecting the elderly.
Kakching:
As celebrated globally on the theme "Celebrating Older Human Rights Champion" Senior Citizens Forum Kakching organized 'International Day of Older Persons' at Auditorium of Library and Information Centre Kakching in Kakching Phoushupat Leikai today.
Senior Citizens Forum Kakching has been organizing the event for six consecutive years while Acting Chairman Manipur Human Rights Commission Imphal Khaidem Mani attended the function as chief guest, President Senior Citizens Forum Kakching Nongmaithem Nimai Singh as functional president while Deputy Commissioner Kakching Neilenthang Telien and SP Kakching Victoria Yengkhom attended the function as guest of honour.
Two senior most citizens from Kakching - Naorem Tonungshi Singh of Kakching Khunyai Leikai and Mayanglambam Ningol Naorem Achoubi Devi of Kakching Ningthou Leikai were honored with modest gifts while 63 elders were also honoured with simple gifts.
Souvenir of Forum (2nd Annual Publication) was also released during the function.
Bishnupur:
District Social Welfare Office Bishnupur in association with Kumbi Khullakpam Leikai Women's Association observed "International Day of Older Persons" on the theme "Celebrating Older Human Rights Champions" at Multi-Purpose Old Age Home of Shanti Ashram in Kumbi Terakhong Lamlong Village.
MLA Kumbi AC S Bira, MLA Oinam AC and Chairman of Manipur Pollution Control Board L Radhakishore Singh, DC Bishnupur District Pawan Yadav, District Social Welfare Officer N Jotish and Director Child Line Bishnupur L Pishak Singh attended the event as presidium members.
Elder persons from Bishnupur district were honoured with modest gifts during the function by District Social Welfare Office Bishnupur.
Speaking at the occasion, MLA Kumbi AC S Bira Singh said it has become necessary to remind the younger generation that elder persons have every right to lead their own chosen way of life and they should be respected.
Chairman MPCB L Radhakishore lamented on the lack of respect shown by the younger generation towards the elders and added the State Government is keen to take advice and discuss things with the elders of the society so that various development scheme can be taken up for the welfare of the people.