LEH: Asserting that everyone will reach the age of an elderly person one day, Lieutenant Governor Brigadier (Dr) BD Mishra has exhorted the people of Ladakh to understand their social responsibilities towards their parents and the elderly.
The LG was speaking after releasing the HelpAge India’s National Report 2023 titled, ‘Women and Ageing: Invisible or Empowered?’ on the occasion of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day at Gantsos Khang in Shey village, on Wednesday.
Highlighting the need to observe World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, the LG emphasised the need to realise the fact that everyone will reach the age of an elderly person some day and only then the person will understand the importance of taking care of the elderly.
Stating that earlier there were no laws for senior citizens for their maintenance and welfare when they were deserted by their families, he welcomed the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens (Amendment) Bill, 2019,introduced by the Central Government which protects all senior citizens and parents including those who are neglected and are unable to support themselves along with other laws which have made elder abuse a cognisable offence.
He emphasised the need for the effective implementation of such laws and reiterated the need for people to understand their social responsibilities towards their parents and the elderly.
The LG stated that society will grow only when the parents are given their due credit, respect and position in society. He also appreciated the steps being taken to increase the capacity of the Gantsos Khang to accommodate more elderly. He emphasised the need to make the facilities at Gantsos Khang attractive and habitable for the ease and convenience of the elderly.
The LG assured to provide all possible assistance so that the best facilities would be provided to the elderly. He also interacted with the elderly and inmates of the Gantsos Khang.
Earlier, Manager, Elder Line, Ladakh, Dr Abhishek Sharma, welcomed the guests and highlighted the importance of observing the Day. He informed the guests about the steps being taken to raise awareness on physical, mental and financial abuse suffered by the elderly. He also highlighted the key points included in the National Report 2023.
This year’s report, ‘Women & Ageing: Invisible or Empowered?’ focuses on older women, one of the most neglected segments of the population. The 5000-sample size report, covers rural and urban areas in 40 districts (18 aspirational), 5 metro cities and 2 Union Territories. It helpsin understanding the ground realities about economic status, work and volunteering opportunities, digital and social inclusion, elder abuse, Maintenance of Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, etc.
Chairman, LAHDC Leh, Tashi Gyalson; Councillor, Thiksey, Stanzin Chosfail; Commissioner Secretary, Social Welfare Department, Padma Angmo; renowned gynaecologist Dr Tsering Landol (Retd), officials from HelpAge India, district officials, school students and inmates of Gantsos Khang were present during the event.
Meanwhile, Mishra (Retd) and First Lady, Neelam Mishra interacted with all the 20 students from Government School, Shara, Sharnos and Phuktsey who recently returned from France after the conclusion of the Cultural Exchange Programme.
The LG commended the students for displaying discipline and for making the people of Ladakh and India proud with their laudable performances during the cultural performances in France. He appreciated the students for their enthusiasm and skill and called them the greatest patriot. He assured to provide all possible assistance for the development and benefit of the students and youth from Ladakh.
The LG informed about the plan to open Sainik School, a branch of the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) and Dakshana Foundation’s Centre of Excellence in Ladakh for the academic advancement of students from the region. He hoped that the students will achieve academic success, clear entrance examinations and serve for the development of Ladakh and the country.
The LG distributed Exam Warriors book authored by the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi ji among the students along with a gift as a token of appreciation. He advised the students to avoid unnecessary tension in life and instead strive for success.
Deputy Chairman, LAHDC Leh, Tsering Angchuk expressed his gratitude to the Administration for the assistance in all document-related works for visas and passports and for making the students’ Cultural Exchange Programme to France successful. He informed HLG that students from Ladakh visited different places in France and stayed with families, where they gained exposure to different cultures, practices and languages.
Students from Shara, Sharnos and Phuktsey also displayed cultural performances on the occasion.
Advisor, Dr Pawan Kotwal; Commissioner Secretary, Padma Angmo; Secretary to LG, Ravinder Kumar; Secretary, Mehboob Ali Khan; DIG Ladakh Police, Sheikh Junaid; Deputy Commissioner Leh, Shrikant Suse; SSP Leh, PD Nitya and other district officials were present during the event.
