Friends of 80 Plus celebrates foundation day in Kohima village

KOHIMA — Friends of 80 Plus Kohima village on Tuesday celebrated its 19th foundation day at Marocchino Hall of Christ The King Church in Kohima village.

Speaking at the programme, the president Northern Angami Public Organisation (NAPO), Keduo Zumu, while pointing out the diminishing number of aged persons in the society, urged the younger generation to respect and treat the elders with honour and dignity to get their blessings.

Describing the 80 Plus groups of people as ‘blessed,’ he wished them long life and acknowledged their services and sacrifices in nurturing the society. Zumu also appreciated the people of Kohima village for giving out their lands to establish the state capital and sharing their blessings with all the Nagas to live together.

Also speaking on the occasion, Khrievonuo, Nagaland State Rural Livelihoods Mission (NSRLM) state programme manager of Social Inclusion Social Development (SISD), highlighted that India along with the global communities have brought out various welfare centric programme for the elderly community.

Informing that NSRLM has been working for inclusivity of all sections of the society through various interventions and self help groups (SHGs), she encouraged the elderly people to get involved in the SHG and enjoy each other’s company whenever they assemble.

The official informed that through the mission they are also encouraging elderly SHG to let them have companionship, meetings and socialise besides availing various entitlements.

Highlighting that Nagaland has introduced the National Programme for the Health Care of Elderly (NPHCE) in the health centres with special emphasis for the elderly section of the society, she stressed the need to sensitise them to avail the service and other entitlements.

Khriezovonuo further appreciated the organisers of Friends of 80 Plus Kohima village, which was unique and rarely practiced in other villages, and pitched for collaboration with NSRLM in the future.

Vilakuolie Mere, who chaired the programme, informed that 20 members of 80 Plus have passed away during the past one year. According to him, there are a total of 207 80 Plus members from Kohima village comprising 75 male and 132 females.

Among the four khels of Kohima village, Lhisemia khel has 82 members including 26 male and 56 female, while Dapfhutsumia khel has 52 members including 19 male and 33 female, Tsutounuomia khel has 45 members including 19 male and 26 female and Pfuchatsumia khel has 28 members including 10 male and 18 female.

It was further informed that a total of 34 members have joined the Friends of 80 Plus.

On the occasion, a souvenir was also released by NAPO president, while a song was presented by a 80 Plus member, Lhoubei-ü Solo, and a folk song was presented by Rusokhrie Kro.

Following the formal function, the older persons were served with lunch and gifts. Besides, a health camp was also organised for the members.