International Day of Older Persons observed in East Jaintia Hills District

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaOctober 1, 2022

International Day of Older Persons was observed today in East Jaintia Hills District, Khliehriat under the theme “The Resilience and Contribution of Older Women”. The programme was organized by the office of the District Social Welfare Officer, East Jaintia Hills District, Khliehriat in collaboration with the Office of the District Medical & Health Officer, East Jaintia Hills District, Khliehriat at Sohkhymphor Village, East Jaintia Hills District. 

Dr. N Nongpluh, Medical & Health Officer, Khliehriat Civil Hospital, Dr. Banri Khongngain, Medical & Health Officer, Khliehriat Civil Hospital, R Passah, District Social Welfare Officer, East Jaintia Hills District, Khliehriat, R Marpna, Field Response Officer, Elder Helpline, Local headman, and executive members of Sohkhymphor Village were among others who were present in the programme. 

In her address on the occasion, R Passah, District Social Welfare Officer, East Jaintia Hills District, Khliehriat expressed her gratitude to the headman of the village for taking the initiative to mobilize the older persons to come for the programme. She said that this programme is celebrated on the 1st of October, every year to spread awareness about the importance of senior citizens in our society and to appreciate their contribution.

Dr. N Nongpluh stated that the International Day of Older Persons was started in the year 1990. “Today is the day that we need to remember and appreciate their contribution towards society, Older Persons carry a lot of responsibility on their shoulders as leaders of the society” he said while also stating that they also carry the traditions, and culture of the society and pass on the knowledge to the younger generation. He also said that as older persons grow older, their thinking capacity is decreasing day by day, therefore at this stage, and we need to lend our helping hand to them in their daily activities.

Speaking on the Elder Helpline, Meghalaya, R Marpna, Field Response Officer, Elder Helpline, Meghalaya informed that Elder Helpline Meghalaya was established on the 19th of February 2021 for senior citizens. He also stated that the Elder Helpline provides a full scope of communication and public relation services through a unique helpline and attentive services to the senior citizens”. “As part of their services, they also provide free legal guidance, educate about the maintenance Act 2007 for the welfare and well-being of senior citizens and state pension scheme for senior citizens” he said. 

Marpna also insisted that if any elder is being abused, either physically or emotionally, it can be reported to the office of the Elder Helpline Toll-Free – Number for Senior Citizens is 14567”. “We also provide counseling and temporary shelter and help to the Older Persons, he added.

Later in the programme, gifts were distributed to the Older Persons by the Office of the District Social Welfare Officers & Free Medical Health Checkup Camp conducted by the Office of the District Medical & Health Officer, Khliehriat.