Nagaland celebrates elders, calls for dignity and respect

KOHIMA — Nagaland marked International Day of Older Persons with a state-level celebration at the NBCC Convention Hall in Kohima on Tuesday. The event, organised by the Department of Social Welfare, focused on the importance of treating the elderly with dignity and respect, acknowledging their invaluable contributions to society.

Addressing the gathering, Wangpang Konyak, Advisor for the Department of Social Welfare, stressed the need to treat the elderly with the dignity they deserve.

Konyak, referring to this year’s theme “Ageing with dignity: the importance of strengthening care and support systems for older persons worldwide”, acknowledged the significant role senior citizens play in Naga society, describing them as bearers of culture, custodians of tradition, and the living history of the society.

“Ageing with dignity is not a mere slogan, but also a call to action’, he asserted, urging attendees to look beyond the biological aspects of ageing and appreciate the wisdom, stories, and contributions that elders bring to the community.

He said that society should create an environment where the senior citizens are not just cared for, but also celebrated for who they are. He highlighted the valuable advice and guidance retired seniors provide in departmental and governmental matters, and called for continued engagement with their experience and knowledge.

The advisor also called on society to reciprocate the support senior citizens have provided throughout their lives, ensuring their later years are filled with comfort, respect, and dignity. He also encouraged intergenerational learning, urging younger generations to listen, learn, and engage with their elders who have “an immense ocean of knowledge, experience, and wisdom.”

He also encouraged senior citizens to remain actively involved in addressing the various issues faced by society today, as their wisdom is “precious, time-tested, and valuable in striving ahead and taking the state forward.”

Konyak acknowledged the Department of Social Welfare’s efforts to involve retired and senior citizens in the day’s celebration, and expressed gratitude to the seniors for their contribution to the department and the state.

“As we move forward, let us try to commit to policies that reflect today’s theme,” he said, emphasising the need for more inclusive public spaces, better healthcare services tailored for the elderly, amenities for their comfort, and educational programmes that teach respect and understanding across generations.

Growing need for senior care

Martha R Ritse, Secretary of the Department of Social Welfare, delivered the keynote address, emphasising the importance of raising awareness about the needs of an ageing population. She highlighted the global trend of older persons outnumbering youth by 2030, a projection particularly relevant to developing countries like India.

Experts around the world have been working on formulating policies, legislation and practices that will strengthen the care and support systems for older persons, and correspondingly, the NITI Aayog has already initiated and conducted few national workshops across the country to strengthen senior citizen care in India, she said.

At the state level, the department of Social Welfare has taken the initiative to collaborate with interested parties to train unemployed youth in geriatric care-giving, through which services will be made accessible to those in need, while also providing employment opportunities.

She also mentioned the department’s efforts to establish Senior Citizens’ Homes in all districts to protect and shelter abandoned senior citizens, with seven new applications forwarded to the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, in addition to five existing homes in the state.

Stating that senior citizens are a source of wisdom and stability in a world that is constantly changing, she went on to say that, “Growing older is known to be a new stage of opportunities – opportunities to be a guide, mentor, and teacher, and the strength and anchor to younger people in need of such support.”

“We all have so much to learn from them”, she said, urging stakeholders and individuals to collaborate in creating a safe and dignified environment for older persons, ensuring they have fulfilling lives and age with dignity.

Distinguished senior citizens recognised

The event also featured the presentation of the Distinguished Senior Citizens Award 2024. Yesonu Veyie, a dedicated social worker and advocate for peace and political settlement in Nagaland, received the award in the male category. Abeni TCK, known for her humanitarian work, textile design contributions, and efforts towards women’s social upliftment, received the award in the female category.

Meanwhile, Deo Nukhu, executive member of the Senior Citizens Association Nagaland (SCAN) and former minister, addressed the gathering, urging senior citizens to reflect on their achievements and God’s love. He emphasized the responsibility of elders to guide younger generations on matters of history, culture, and tradition, drawing upon their life experiences.

Nukhu encouraged attendees to view ageing not as a loss of youth but as a new phase of opportunity and strength and concluded by wishing good health and divine protection upon all present.

Further enriching the celebration, 104-year-old Rev. K Tsaikha Shohe (who will turn 105 on October 2) and his two sons performed the hymn “Never Grow Old’, while the drivers and peons of the Directorate of Social Welfare also presented a special song.