Speed Post News Network
New Delhi : To mark the ‘International day of Older Persons’ on October 2, 2017, more than 5,000 participants gathered at India Gate for a noble cause to spread the message of caring and giving respect to older persons and senior citizens. This year’s theme was “Stepping into the Future: Tapping the Talents, Contributions and Participation of Older Persons in Society.”
Union Minister for Social Justice & EmpowermentThaawarchand Gehlot along with the Minister of State Krishan Pal Gurjar, took the pledge with other dignitaries and 5,000 participants. Then the “Walkathon” was flagged off by Gehlot & MOS Gurjar and they also took part in 1 km Walkathon with all the dignitaries.
In his address, Gehlot said that the Government is committed to the welfare of Older Persons and the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment is running two important schemes namely “Vriddh Jan Grah Yojana” and “Day Care Centres” for Older Persons all over India and Non Government Organizations and Voluntary Organizations are also participating in these schemes. He urged the people especially the younger generation to accord due respect to older persons in their families, according to aPIB release.
On the International Day of Older Persons, every year since 2005 the mass awareness event “Walkathon” is being held at India Gate. National Institute of Social Defence (NISD) and Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Government of India, have been conducting this event for 14 years since its inception.