Sri Vijaya Puram, Aug 21: The National Helpline for Senior Citizens – 14567 (NHSC), in collaboration with the Ration Rasheed Foundation, organized a grand celebration of National Senior Citizens Day on 21st August, 2025 at Gram Panchayat Mithakhadi. This year’s official theme, “Empowering Elderly Voices for an Inclusive Future”, reflected the importance of amplifying senior citizens’ voices and ensuring their dignity, inclusion, and active participation in society.
The programme began with a warm welcome speech by Mrs. Sushma Pandey, Project Manager (NHSC), who greeted all dignitaries and participants, acknowledging the contributions of senior citizens to society and awareness on Elder Helpline 14567. This was followed by an inspiring address by Mr. M.P. Abdul Rasheed Director of Ration Rasheed Foundation, underlining the role of community organisations and NGOs in ensuring the welfare and empowerment of senior citizens. Mr. Mohammed Shafique Pradhan, Gram Panchayat Mithakhadi, greeted everyone warmly, motivated the gathering, especially senior citizens, and encouraged them to actively utilise the schemes and services offered by National Helpline for Senior Citizens (NHSC) for their welfare and empowerment.
Further, Dr. S. Saranya, Medical Officer (Ayurveda PHC Tushnabad,) address the gathering about mental wellness and Ayurveda focuses more on healthy living than treatment of diseases and the main concept of Ayurveda is that it personalizes the healing process and Ayurveda aims to improve quality of life and self-dependency
Dr. Smriti Das, CHO (Homoeo), AAM Mithakhari adresses the senior citizens on practices of yoga in their daily life which improves flexibility, strength, and balance while also reducing stress, anxiety, and improving sleep quality. Regular yoga practice can contribute to better overall well-being and a more balanced lifestyle.
Ms. A. Gayatri, Yoga Instructor conducted vibrant sessions on Y-Break”, for the elderly. A Health Check-up Camp was also organized for the senior citizens as part of the day’s events.
The event also highlighted the talents and wisdom of the elderly through various exhibitions and activities. At “Buzzurgo ki Rasoi”, more than 30 elderly male & female participants displayed their culinary expertise, with each participant being felicitated with gifts as a token of encouragement. The “Daadi Maa ke Nuskhe” corner showcased age-old home remedies and indigenous knowledge shared by senior citizens, preserving traditional wisdom for younger generations. Fun and engaging activities such as the Passing the Ball Game and the Spoon & Marble Game not only brought joy and laughter but also contributed to stress relief, improved focus, hand-eye coordination, and active participation.
Cultural performances added further colour to the celebration, where senior citizens enthusiastically presented Traditional folk dance, songs, and poetry recitations, reflecting their creativity and zeal for life. Consolation Prizes were also given to senior citizens who actively participated in various activities.
The programme concluded with a Prize Distribution Ceremony, honouring winners and active participants. Vote of Thanks was delivered by Ms. Pratima Rai, Mukhiya Sevika, ICDS, Ferrargunj.
The celebration of National Senior Citizens Day at Gram Panchayat Mithakhadi truly became a platform of joy, respect, and recognition for the elderly, spreading the message that they are the foundation of the society and must be celebrated with dignity, care, and love.
