Pranav Birje | Senior Correspondent
Mumbai, October 1, 2024: To commemorate International Day of Older Persons (IDOP), HelpAge India today launched #GenerationsTogether campaign in Mumbai to celebrate the contributions of senior citizens and promoting intergenerational connections. The campaign aimed at strengthening bonds between younger and older generations. The event started with a walkathon, which saw more than 150 participants including students, senior citizens and dignitaries. This was followed by cultural performances and speeches highlighting the importance of elder care and community support.
Mr. Dinesh Dingle, former Joint Secretary of Maharashtra Government’s Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MSJE). Dignitaries like Mr. Anna Sahab Tekale, President of FESCOM; Dr. Ravindra Kimbhavi, Head of Community Medicine at Cooper Hospital; Dr. Archana Patki, Principal of MMP Shah College; Ms. Asha Banu Solitte, Senior Professor at TISS, Mumbai; Mr. Valerian Pais, Joint Director of HelpAge India; and Mrs. Rajeshwari Chowdhury, Director of HelpAge India, attended the event and shared their thoughts on elder welfare and the importance of community support.
The students of Ryan Group of Schools, MMP Shah College along with the elderlies participated in the cultural performances. The audience was treated to an exciting Antakshari competition, where students and seniors participated in musical activities.
In the national capital, HelpAge also announced the onboarding of Sharmila Tagore, renowned actor and Padma Bhushan awardee as HelpAge India’s Honorary Brand Ambassador, who launched the campaign in Delhi.
Expressing her enthusiasm during the event in Delhi, Ms. Sharmila Tagore said, “I am now at that stage in my life, where I am choosing my work, doing what resonates with me. I am committed to my role as HelpAge India’s brand ambassador, and hope that I can help make a difference and be the voice that amplifies elder concerns, raises awareness and urges people to come forward more strongly to support this cause, as we all are getting there. Today’s theme ‘Towards a Society for all Ages’ is exactly what is needed, but there has to be a systemic change, which means all stakeholders must play their part, whether it be civil society, educational institutions, corporates, philanthropists, public sector, policy makers, the youth and us as well.”
“The #GenerationsTogether campaign aims to encourage interaction between generations, facilitating conversations, connections and collaborations, so we can help create a more age sensitive society. As we celebrate the International Day of Older Persons, we must reflect on the need for stronger intergenerational ties for building a cohesive society where young people can learn valuable life lessons from the elderly and the elderly learn as well from the young, for instance in keeping abreast with the ever-changing digital world. Therefore, the theme ‘Towards a Society for All Ages’ is more relevant than ever. We look forward to the opening up of new opportunities and working with various stakeholders to create a more enabling environment for elders and a more compassionate age inclusive society,” said Mr. Rohit Prasad, CEO, HelpAge India.
Valerian Pais, Joint Director, HelpAge India said, “We are very excited about the #GenerationsTogether campaign, as it has immense potential in bringing closer both the young and older generations. Through our Student Action for Value Education programme, we hope to amplify this campaign so it can reach maximum schools & students, and joining them would be senior citizens through our robust Senior Citizens Associations network. In Mumbai, we are particularly focused on building intergenerational opportunities through our digital literacy programme, fun cultural activities and project visits among a host of others.”
The event honored two partner agency representatives from Prayatna Community Center (Malad) and Roshni Grah Center (Poisar) for their dedicated work in supporting elderly care. The day concluded with a Vote of Thanks and gratitude to all dignitaries, participants, and partners for their support in making the event a success.
About HelpAge India
HelpAge India is a leading non-profit organization working with and for older people in India for the past 46 years. It runs healthcare, agecare, livelihood, disaster response and digital empowerment programs throughout the country & advocates strongly for the elder cause working collaboratively with stakeholders. It became the first and only Indian organization to be honoured with the ‘UN Population Award 2020’ for its exemplary work in the field of ageing and population issues, and earlier in 2014, has been the recipient of ‘Vayoshreshtha Samman’ by Government of India as an institution working for senior citizens.