GUWAHATI, Jan 10 - The role of the elderly section of society in infusing courage and determination in the hearts of the people to counter the disturbing threats coming from anti-national and anti-social forces like the ISIS, the Taliban, and the Mujahideen was stressed at a public meeting organized at Beltola here on the occasion of the 9th annual session of the Beltola Jyestha Nagarik Chora.
The function held on the occasion was presided over by educationist Rita Devi.
Dr Ashok Kumar Goswami, oriental scholar, welcomed the guests, while Prasanna Barthakur presented the annual report of the secretary.
Speaking on the occasion as appointed speaker, senior journalist DN Chakravartty said that 720 million elderly citizens of the world had the sacred right to lead life with dignity, self confidence, a sense of independence, and care of family and society.
Referring to the alarming situation created by the inhuman terrorist elements, Chakravartty said that the prevailing global terrorism would have to be fought by global compassion and love.
Chakravartty also stressed the need for the elderly people to play a more positive role in guiding society to stay away from senseless personal pursuits and irresponsibility in disregarding the wailing of suffering humanity.
Prafulla Kumar Mahanta, general secretary of the Assam Senior Citizens Association (ASCA), expressed regret at the failure of the State Government in translating into action the National Policy for Elder Persons even after the lapse of 16 years from the promulgation of the policy.
Writer and retired railway officer Jyotidev Gowsami, in his inimitable humorous style, observed that the independence of the elderly persons as guaranteed by the United Nations was very often curtailed by the family members.
Dr Sunil Kumar Saikia spoke about the role of elderly persons in securing peace in society, while Dr Mokshada Prasad Barthakur, Dr Lohit Baishya, Kalpana Saikia and Upasana Bora presented songs.
A new executive committee was formed with Dr Ashok Kumar Goswami as president and Prasanna Barthakur as general secretary.
A book titled Asanta Baluka written by Sailen Acharya and the mouthpiece of the Nagarik Chora Bidyat Prabha were also released by DN Chakravartty and PK Mahanta respectively.
Pabitra Kumar Barthakur, who anchored the function, offered the vote of thanks.
