Agartala, Oct 1: Senior citizens are the guiding light of society, and their valuable advice and experiences can greatly benefit the community, the state, and the nation. On International Day of Older Persons, Tripura’s Minister for Social Welfare and Social Education, Tinku Roy, emphasized the importance of respecting and caring for the elderly. Speaking at a state-level celebration held at Muktadhara Auditorium, Roy urged society to move away from the growing dependence on old age homes, a social malaise, and instead offer true respect and care to the elderly.
Roy highlighted that respecting and honoring the elderly should not be limited to creating new old age homes. “True respect for senior citizens should start at home, and the practice of placing them in old age homes must be gradually reduced,” he said. He added that the elderly should be cherished and their wisdom should be used to guide families and communities. The minister’s words resonated with this year’s theme for International Day of Older Persons: “Fulfilling the Promise of Dignity for All in Older Age: Strengthening Care Systems for an Ageing World.”
Currently, the state has two government-run old age homes and six others operated by NGOs, Roy informed. Additionally, the central and state governments have implemented several schemes for the welfare of senior citizens, people with disabilities, and pregnant women. These include the distribution of UDID cards to over 30,000 out of nearly 40,000 disabled persons in the state and the provision of pensions to over 1.65 lakh senior citizens. Pregnant women are also receiving nutritious food under the Prime Minister’s Matru Vandana Yojana and the Chief Minister’s Matru Pushti Uphaar scheme.
During the event, Agartala Municipal Corporation Mayor and MLA Dipak Majumder also addressed the audience, calling for greater empathy, respect, and cooperation toward the elderly. Legal expert Shankha Subhra Dutta, Deputy Secretary of the Law Department, delivered a presentation on “Legal Provisions for Senior Citizens,” shedding light on the 2007 Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act.
The event also recognized and honored the contributions of outstanding senior citizens. Among those awarded were Bhushan Chandra Das (90+), Nityananda Acharya (70+), Pradip Das (60+), and Subhash Gan Chowdhury (60+), who received accolades for their dedication to society, arts, and courageous contributions. They were presented with certificates, mementos, and a cash prize of ₹5,000 each by the Social Welfare Minister and other dignitaries.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Biswajit Seal, Assistant Sabhadhipati of the West Tripura Zilla Parishad, recognizing the importance of senior citizens as pillars of wisdom and strength in society.
