The government will conduct month-long activities to celebrate International Day of Older Persons (IDOP) on October 1, focusing on senior citizens’ welfare and promoting inter-generational bonding and respecting and caring for older people. The celebrations will be led by Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Virendra Kumar (MoSJE) and Minister of State B.L. Verma.

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According to an official statement on Monday, the ministry has planned many activities, including the release of a senior citizen welfare portal to provide support and information to the elderly people about government schemes available to them, such as financial security and health insurance coverage, etc., for their welfare.

Kumar was expected to conduct a pledge-taking ceremony and distribute aid to senior citizens at a function in New Delhi. The MoSJE will also organise Rashtriya Vayoshree Camps across India to provide assistive devices to mark the occasion.

Month-Long Events Planned For Older Persons

A cultural event is planned on October 24, titled “Celebrating Graceful Ageing: Life Begins at 60”. It will showcase performances by various artists aged 70 and above. The event aims to highlight social issues such as active ageing, inter-generational solidarity, and traditional Indian systems of care and respect.

The health ministry is also collaborating with other ministries to organise programmes in rural and other areas, focusing on senior citizens’ welfare.

On October 16, the National Institute of Social Defence will launch a talk series on senior citizens’ rights and healthy ageing. A quiz and a pledge campaign will also be organised on the MyGov online platform as part of the celebrations.

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These events aim to raise awareness among the youth and encourage and urge them to commit to the cause of elderly welfare. The statement said that a grand finale of the celebration for seniors will be held in New Delhi at the end of the month.