Port Blair, Oct 01: International Day for Elders was observed in these Islands too together with the rest of the World today. As part of the observance, the Chinmaya Mission Port Blair organized a felicitation function for the super senior citizens, (above 80 years). The Lt. Governor A&N Islands, Prof. Jagdish Mukhi as the chief guest inaugurated the programme by lighting the traditional oil lamp in the presence of the Chairperson PBMC, Shri Indra Pal Singh.Port Blair, Oct 01: International Day for Elders was observed in these Islands too together with the rest of the World today. As part of the observance, the Chinmaya Mission Port Blair organized a felicitation function for the super senior citizens, (above 80 years). The Lt. Governor A&N Islands, Prof. Jagdish Mukhi as the chief guest inaugurated the programme by lighting the traditional oil lamp in the presence of the Chairperson PBMC, Shri Indra Pal Singh.
Addressing the gathering, the Lt Governor expressed happiness that International Day for Elders is being celebrated in these Islands to give respect to the elders and to recognize their contribution in the development of the society. In India, from time immemorial parents are loved and respected and every work starts with taking their blessings, the Lt Governor said adding in the celebration of all festivals & programmes we observe in our homes, elders are given utmost respect and preference.
The Lt Governor stated that senior citizens have great experiences in all fields and the youth have to take advantage of their experiences by meeting the senior citizens frequently. The Govt. of India, recognizing the experience of the senior citizens have extended the retirement age of scientists, doctors, professors etc. so that the younger generations can be benefitted from their knowledge and experiences.
The Lt Governor also felicitated more than 15 senior citizens aged above 80 years and also gave away prizes to the winners of the walkthon organized by the Chinmaya Mission earlier in the morning.
In her address, the Secretary Social Welfare, Smt. Rashmi Singh lauded the Chinmaya Mission for organizing the felicitation function for senior citizens. She also informed that the Social Welfare Department also organized a similar felicitation function at Old Age Home at Ferrargunj this morning wherein senior citizens were felicitated. The Secretary also informed about the measures taken by the Department towards caring for the elderly persons. However, she said the emotional needs of the senior citizens can be fulfilled only by the family members which cannot be compensated by any Govt. welfare scheme.
In his address, the Resident Acharya Chinmaya Mission, Swami Suddhananda Saraswati stated that the Mission celebrates this day every year with befitting functions to pay respect to the elderly persons. He also called upon the youth to take care of their elders as their responsibility and not as a burden as they too will become old one day. Smt. Komal Anand, a member presented a bhajan befitting the occasion. Earlier, the President, Chinmaya Mission, Shri Surendra Prahaldka welcomed the gathering while the function concluded with the vote of thanks proposed by the Organizing Secretary of the Mission, Shri V Subbaraj.
