JALUKBARI, Dec 7 - HelpAge India organised a seminar on problems and perspectives of the elderly people in Assam, in collaboration with the Gauhati University at the Phanidhar Dutta Seminar Hall today.
Gauhati University Vice Chancellor Dr Mridul Hazarika delivered the inaugural speech. Prof HP Sharma, Rector of the University, presided over the meeting.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Hazarika said that society needs to have patience in dealing with the elderly, and various schemes need to be implemented effectively for their protection and security. He said Gauhati University will do its best to generate awareness among the younger generation and take the message forward to promote the cause of the elderly. He thanked HelpAge India for coming forward and organising the seminar.
Rector Prof HP Sharma, in his welcome address, assured that he would organise more such seminars involving multi-sector stakeholders. The problems of the elderly are manifold and they need to be deliberated threadbare, he said.
Nilondra Tanya, State head of HelpAge India, briefed the gathering about the objectives of the seminar and made some recommendations. He said circular should be issued to observe the International Day for Elderly on October 1 every year by the schools/academic institutions. The elderly may also be included in State-managed national rural livelihood mission, and a State policy for the elderly should be announced as early as possible, he said. The circular may be issued to colleges affiliated under Gauhati University to organise seminars on the issues relating to the elderly with a view to generate awareness, he opined.
Jagat Chandra Bora, social activist and member of the Assam Senior Citizens� Welfare Council, deliberated on the rights of the elderly. He thanked Gauhati University and HelpAge India for organising such a seminar.
Subha Brata Sarmah, Chairperson of the Assam Senior Citizens� Welfare Council, spoke on various programmes undertaken by the State Government and explained various provisions under the Maintenance of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007.
Scholars of the university made presentation on �Old age homes � boon or bane�. They raised various problems being faced by the elderly in Assam.
Around a hundred senior citizens attended the seminar, which concluded with a vote of thanks by Nilondra Tanya.
