KISHTWAR: The International Day of Older Persons was celebrated with enthusiasm and active participation at three venues across Kishtwar district including Government Primary School, Balgran,; TSWO Office, Chatroo and Himalayan Cultural Academy, Paddar under the theme “The Age of Longevity, Rethinking Systems for Longer Lives.”
The programmes were organised under the directions of Deputy Commissioner Pankaj Sharma and Director, Social Welfare J&K, Ranjeet Singh and under the overall supervision of District Social Welfare Officer Tariq Parveaz Qazi.
A large number of senior citizens, retired government employees and old-age pension beneficiaries participated in the programmes. The events provided a platform for senior citizens to share their experiences and views, while also highlighting the importance of ensuring dignity, inclusion and social security for older persons.
As part of the programme at Himalayan Cultural Academy, Paddar, sports items were distributed among female students, promoting participation in sports and encouraging healthy and active lifestyles among young people.
Awareness sessions were also conducted at all three venues regarding various welfare schemes and services being implemented by the Department of Social Welfare for the benefit of senior citizens and other eligible sections of society. Participants were informed about available social security measures and encouraged to avail themselves of the benefits of government schemes.
Senior citizens attending the programmes appreciated the efforts of the Department of Social Welfare for organising such events and providing them an opportunity to come together, interact and share their views on issues concerning older persons.
The celebrations underscored the importance of recognising the valuable contribution of older persons to society and reaffirmed the need for an inclusive environment that respects their dignity, rights, wellbeing and active participation in community life.
The programmes were conducted/Co-ordinated by TSWO Paddar Rajesh Sharma, TSWO Kishtwar Chetna Sharma and TSWO Chatroo Shabnam Begum along with officials and staff members of the Social Welfare Department.
