SIVASAGAR, Feb 18 - Inaugurating the open session of the two-day biennial conference of Axom Jyestha Nagarik Sanmilan at Sivasagar Milan Mandir on Sunday, noted educationist Binita Dutta of Jorhat said that unified influence of the elders in society can help the new generation to steer clear of psychological problems associated with the digital age, like dementia and depression, to name only a few.
Referring to Alvin Toffler�s Future Shock, Dutta said that the elders� today are isolated and often lonely, while most members of the younger generation, and even the tiny tots, are busy with their digital dolls and mobile phones, and many a times have no one to turn up to, or even listen to their problems, leave alone solve them.
Dr Hiranya Kumar Goswami, Principal of Assam Medical College, in his address to the senior citizens said that depression is going to be the second-most important killer disease by 2022.
He said that social isolation was the prime cause of depression, which was spreading fast. He added that guilt feeling, early morning insomnia, loss of appetite, anhedonic feeling and mild cognitive impairment are some of the symptoms of depression, which the people should not overlook.
Deban Chandra Baruah, president of the reception committee, delivered the welcome address in the meeting which was presided over by Dr Manaranjan Sarmah, president of Axom Jyestha Nagarik Sanmilan. A 19-member new executive body was formed in the meeting with Dr Manaranjan Sarmah as president, Suresh Saikia as executive president, Narendra Sarmah, Mohan Buragohain as vice presidents, Baneswar Khound as general secretary, Prasanna Borthakur as assistant general secretary and Deben Mahanta, Indreswar Saikia and Pradip Sarmah as organisational secretaries respectively.
The delegates� meeting adopted several resolutions, inter alia, social security, elders� right to enjoy a stress-free life, free medical facilities and stopping all illegal discriminations.
Harekrishna Bharali, vice president of Axom Jyestha Nagarik Kalyan Parishad also spoke in the meeting while Jogesh Chandra Rajkhowa, secretary of the reception committee delivered the vote of thanks.
Inaugurating the conference yesterday, Dr S Laksmanan, Deputy Commissioner of Sivasagar said that the young need to learn a lot how the elders from different walks of life, diverse occupations and varied sectors converged and discussed on the same platform on how to contribute in a positive way towards he wellbeing of the society.
Dr Manaranjan Sarmah and Professor Nakul Chandra Baruah, president of Sivasagar district committee of the sanmilan hoisted the flags yesterday to mark the beginning of the eighth biennial conference.
As a part of the official itinerary, Professor Sonaram Baruah offered floral tributes to the martyrs. Educationist Khagendranath Bhunya released the souvenir while Niru Mahanta, wife of founding secretary Prafulla Kumar Mahanta, released a book on her late husband.
Speaking on the occasion, journalist Manjit Mahanta hoped that the Axom Jyestha Nagarik Sanmilan would strive to become the best among all the organisations of the state.
