State observes International Day of Older Persons

IMPHAL, October 1: Like in the rest of the world, the state observed the International Day of Older Person at different parts of the state both by the non government sector as well as the government sector.

Senior Citizens' Forum Imphal East observed the day with a function at Wangkhei Keithel Ashangbi with ex-MP W Kulabidhu and retired IAS Y Radheshyam Singh as chief guest and president of the function respectively.

Several resource person spoke on the occasion, including Associate Professor, RIMS, Dr RK Lenin and director education (s) Th Samungou Singh.

During his speech, Dr Lenin stressed the need to show compassion and care for the elders without any precondition. Doctor Lenin further pointed out the need for elders to stay healthy physically and mentally by getting involved with one another socially and avoid being left alone and drown oneself in self isolation.

In yester years, elders gather around Imphal pologround and share their time and help each other emotionally, Dr Lenin said and added, nowadays the scenario has changed with the ever growing vie for space and there is little space left for them to spend time together.

Th Samungou who also spoke on the occasion also stress the need to identify a place exclusively for the elders where they can spend time together and avoid being lonely. He further expressed the advantages and need to have a mobile clinic or a medical team to help the elders in times of need and medical problems.

Ex MP, W Kulabidhu who also spoke on the occasion as chief guest stressed the importance to involve onself in physical activities and keep oneself fit and healthy. This he said is of utmost importance in any part of the world. A regular physical excercise will help the elders stay emotionally happy and physically fit.

Meanwhile, Senior citizens Forum of Singjamei Thokchom Leikai and Chongtham Leikai jointly observed the World Elders Day at YWO Thokchom Leikai Imphal, near Pettigrew junior high school today.

RK Sanayaima, president, Senior Citizens Forum, Singjamei Thokchom Leikai and Forum members RK Chinglensana Thokchom, Babusudon, Thingiyam Iboyaima and Khaidem Iboyaima were present as presidum members.

Speaking on the occasion, convenor, Senior Citizen Forum, Thokchom Ibomcha expressed the current scenario on how the elders in the state are being treated. Unlike in yester years, lack of respect for elders and giving lesser importance to elders are evident in the current society.

He further stated on how the elders care for their young ones during their childhood and the same should be shown to elders, especially when they are weak and helpless, just like the small child in their childhood days.

Altogether six men and another six women above the age of 85 were present during the function and felicitated with shawls and walking sticks as a mark of respect to them.

In another similar function, the Government of Manipur, office of the social welfare SAITU Gamphazol organised and observed the day with the theme "Longevity : Shaping the Future" at the Community Hall, Saitu Gamphazol.

Additional deputy commissioner, Sadar Hills, H Rupachandra Singh, SDO Sadar Hills, N Surjit Singh and social activist Saingam Haokip attended the function as chief guest, president and guest of honour respectively.

Speaking on the occasion, H Rupachandra compared the mentality and perception of yester years when a person is considered old and likely to die after reaching the age of 40, however, nowadays, people stay much younger and longer and stay alive till the age of 60-70.

In the western world, the population of aged people have increased and a lot of welfare schemes for them are helping them in a lot of ways, Rupachandra said and added, however, in India, the focus is on children and youth and lesser importance is given to the aged people. Further, benefit for aged people, such as shelter home and old age pension scheme are new with lesser people getting the benefits.

In another statement, the District Social Welfare office, Bishnupur observed the day with MLA, Dr I Ibohalbi and deputy commissioner, M Lakhikumar as chief guest and president respectively.

Prominent elders were felicitated and gifts were given as a respect for the contribution to the society.