GUWAHATI, Oct 5 - International Day for Older Persons was observed recently at Pensioners� Bhawan, Chandmari here under the auspices of Guwahati Senior Citizens� Association.
The function began with a universal Vedic prayer seeking prosperity of mankind, peace and brotherhood among all.
Dr Devdas Bharali, working president of the association, said that with the advancement of the medical science and greater consciousness of modern man about health and longevity, the number of old people in the world has gone up several times over what it was 200 years ago. He said senior citizens of India would have to play a vital role in purging the society of all social evils and guiding the new generation to accomplish the greater task of beautifying the world.
Dr Runu Bhattacharyya said with old age comes wisdom and the urge for securing peace and harmony in society. Jyoti Talukdar, Krishna Lahkar, Kalparam Gogoi and SK Barua in their speeches stressed greater unity among the elderly section of society and urged them to be more active in serving society.
DN Chakravartty, who presided over the function, said elderly people represent about ten per cent of the global population of 800 crore, while in India there are over 11 crore people in the category of senior citizens. Assam has more than 27 lakh elderly people, he added.
He mentioned some important secrets to a longer, happy and purposeful life. The important suggestions included the habit of eating less and avoiding drinking and smoking.
He further stated that the association should make it a point to be more concerned for those who are underprivileged and weaker than them.
