Nagaland
‘Friends of 80 years plus’ celebrates foundation day
KOHIMA — People of 80 years old and above came together on the occasion of 18th foundation day celebration of ‘Friends of 80 Plus Kohima Village’ on Sunday. The octogenarians, clad in colorful traditional shawls, were seen greeting one another, prayed and sang hymns together during the programme.
The elders were presented with medical kits, sweets and feast.
Thinuohelie Sachü, associate pastor of BRC Kohima, reminded them on the love of God towards the elderly and also prayed for their good health and longevity of life.
In his greetings, the chairman of Kohima village council, Helievio Solo, informed that there are about 182 persons above 80 years of age from the four major clans of the village. He acknowledged the Almighty God for showering blessings upon them through the elderly people, both who were present and those unable to attend due to various reasons.
Seeking the continued support of the senior citizens through their prayers and blessings, he emphasised on the need to contribute towards their welfare during the challenging times of modern era.
Also speaking on the occasion, Neithonuo Liegise, programme manager of Elder Line Nagaland, handed out leaflet translated in Tenyidie on the facilities of the government available to cater to the needs of the senior citizens.
According to the leaflet, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE), government of India, the National Institute of Social Defence (NISD) and the respective state governments through the department of Social Welfare have launched the helpline for senior citizens – Elder Line – toll free no. 14567, with the objective of expeditiously attending to the complaints and grievances of the elders.
She informed that the state helpline is operational from Monday to Sunday between 8 am and 8 pm, which is managed by five call officers. She added that there are six field response officers, who are working to solve problems through field intervention and rescue senior citizens in close association with all the partners/stakeholders.
She further stated that the helpline team offers counseling support adding, if required, connect with partners specialised in it. The team also facilitate rescue of homeless senior citizens and arrange for temporary accommodation in old age homes managed by NGOs or government run facilities – One Stop Centre (shelter homes) and facilitate the process towards reuniting the elderly with their family.
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