President Kovind Presents “Vayoshreshtha Samman – 2019” to Eminent Senior Citizens

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New Delhi : The President of India Ram Nath Kovind presented the “Vayoshreshtha Samman-2019” to the eminent senior citizens and institutions in recognition of their services towards the cause of the elderly persons to mark ‘International Day of older Persons’ at a function organised by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment here on October 3, 2019.

Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Thaawarchand Gehlot presided over the function. Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Krishan Pal Gurjar, and Secretary, M/o SJ&E, Neelam Sawhney were also present.

The President, in his address on the occasion, said that our youth should understand that the older persons and senior citizens are our asset and accord them their due respect. He called upon people to adopt the ideals of Joint family culture and create an atmosphere of togetherness under the guidance of older family members. He congratulated the Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment and officers of the Ministry for such a valuable awards for older persons, senior citizens, and institutions working towards the cause of elderly persons. He said that Aayushman Bharat and many schemes of the government are very beneficial and helpful to the older persons and senior citizens.

In his address, Gehlot said that the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment felicitates senior citizens and older persons by conferring ‘Vayoshreshtha Samman’ every year on the eminent senior citizens and institutions in many categories in recognition of their services towards the cause of the elderly persons. Two years ago, the Ministry started “Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana” under which physical aids and assistive living devices viz. wheel chairs, hearing aids, spectacles, support sticks etc are distributed to the older persons of Below Poverty Line category. Vayoshreshtha Samman are intended to showcase the Government’s concern for senior citizens and its commitment towards them with the aim of strengthening their legitimate place in the society, he added, according to a PIB release.

Ishwarchandra Chintamani , 93, received the Centenarian Award given to renowned individuals who are above ninety years and are still physically active, independent and contributing to the society.  The award carries a citation, memento and cash award of Rs.2.5 lakh.

Ms. Sharada Yashwant Date and (b) Ms. Urmila Sharma received Iconic Mother Award given to women senior citizens who in the face of great odds, brought up their children and supported them in being high achievers in the field of their choice.  The award carries a citation, memento and cash award of Rs.2.5 lakh.

Chhajuram Sharma received Lifetime Achievement Award given to senior citizens, preferably above seventy years, who have worked in the field of ageing and made significant contribution in the field.  The award carries a citation, memento, and cash award of Rs.2.5 lakh.

Ms Eli Ahmad received Creative Art Award given to the winners of national/international acclaim for their contribution to literature, theatre, cinema, music, dance, painting, sculpture, photography, etc. and who continue to be active in their field well into their old age.  The award carries a citation, memento,  and cash award of Rs.2.5 lakh.

Sports and Adventure Award (one each for Male and Female to Ms Anandini Darjee and Hardev Singh. The award is given to senior citizens who have won international acclaim and who continue to contribute in the field of sports and adventure.  The award carries a citation, memento, and cash award of Rs.2.5 lakh.

Courage & Bravery Award (one each for Male and Female to Dr Shashi Trivedi and Prem Singh. The award is given to senior citizens who have displayed extra ordinary courage in the face of grave danger.  The award carries a citation, memento, and cash award of Rs.2.5 lakh.