Respect shown to Older Persons on their day
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, October 01 2012: AS DONE in other parts of the world, International Day of Older Persons was observed in the state by various government agencies and organizations today.

The main function was organized by Department of Social Welfare, Government of Manipur at Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shanglen, Palace Compound here.

The function was graced by Ak Mirabai, Minister for Social Welfare and Co-operative and Rk Anand, MLA of Naoriya Pakhang Lakpa Kendra as Chief Guest and President respectively.

MLA of Yaikul A/C Elangbam Chand and MLA of Tamei A/C Z Kikhonbou Newmai were also present as Guests of Honour.

Addressing the gathering, Minister Ak Mirabai said that the people of the state should be aware of the development programmes taken up for the welfare of the people.

The state government is taking up various welfare programmes for the differently abled and orphans of the state.

Moreover, the Maintenance of Parents and Senior Citizens Act has also been implemented in the state for the welfare of elderly persons in the state.

She also appealed all the sons and daughters to look after their old parents and perform all the needful for them with love and dedication.

MLA E Chand noted that all of us will become old one day.

As such we all need to keep our old parents happy and healthy.

Others present on the occasion also stressed on the need to care for aged persons saying that the views and ideas of the older persons are very helpful in administering the government.

Elderly womenfolk presenting a song during the observance function at Tamenglong

As a mark of respect, gifts were presented to a number of older persons from across the state.

The observation was also held under the aegis of District Social Welfare, Churachandpur at its office at Churachandpur today.

The function was graced by Dr H Liansang, CMO Churachandpur; A Umarani, DSWO, Churachandpur and LS Gangte, retired Principal, Churachandpur College as Chief Guest, President and Guest of Honour respectively.

Around 200 older persons were presented with gifts on the occasion.

The International Day of Older Persons observance was also organized under the joint aegis of Youth Welfare Organisation, Singjamei and Senior Citizens Forum, Singjamei at the hall of Youth Welfare Organisation at Singjamei Thokchom Leikai today.

Old persons (5 males and 9 females) above the age of 85 years were presented with walking sticks and shawls as a mark of respect to them, on the occasion.

At Khurai Puthiba Laibung, the observance was organized by Pioneer Health Club at Khurai Puthiba Laibung with MLA Ng Bijoy as Chief Guest.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Ng Bijoy said that it is not possible for the younger generations to understand the knowledge gained by older persons.

So, the older persons should share their thoughts and ideas with the younger generations so that the younger generations can lead a prosperous life.

The younger generations on their part should also be helpful to the older persons.

The government should also establish gardens and the like where the older persons can relax and enjoy.

The function was presided over by Th Manihar, President of Pioneers Health Club.

RK Narendra of RIMS was also present and spoke at the observance.

Meanwhile, Chandel and Thoubal district also joined in observing International Day of Older Persons today.

In Chandel district, the observation was organised by District Social Welfare Office Chandel at Laichin Minou Community Hall, Chandel.

Chairman of Laiching Minou Village Authority W Meran Maring and former Chairman of the village authority DK Song-In graced the function as presidium members.

Senior Advocate N Madhu and Medical Officer M Kesho deliberated on the legal aids being provided to older persons and how they can stay healthy.

Elder persons who attended the function were honoured with gifts on the occasion.

The Day was also observed in the counting hall of DC Thoubal today.

Organised under the aegis of District Social Welfare Office, Thoubal, the observance was attended by MLA Md Fajur Rahim and Councillor of Thoubal Municipal Council H Jamuna as Chief Guest and President respectively.

Presentation of gifts and honouring of older persons were the main highlight of the observance.

At Tamenglong Indoor Stadium, the observance was held under the auspices of District Social Welfare Office, Tamenglong with Additional District Magistrate Joseph Pauline Kamei, Chairman of Tamenglong District Council DN Nganthongam and DSWO Tamenglong L Ibomcha as Chief Guest, President and Guest of Honour respectively.