New Delhi: Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment (HMSJE), Dr. Virendra Kumar will be presiding over as the Chief Guest at the International Day of Older Persons – 2024 celebrations, tomorrow in New Delhi. Minister of State (SJE), B.L.Verma, will be the Guest of Honour on the occasion, a PIB press release stated.
The International Day of Older Persons is observed on October 1 every year. This day is dedicated to promoting the welfare of senior citizens and to raising awareness about the issues faced by them. The aim of the celebrations is to encourage active participation from the public, civil society, and other government bodies.
The history of the International Day of Older Persons dates back to 1982, when the UN General Assembly adopted the UN principles for older persons based on the International Plan of Action on Ageing. The principles focus on four key areas: independence, participation, care, self-fulfillment, and dignity.
In 1999, India formulated the National Policy on Older Persons (NPOP) to guide the development of policies and programs aimed at promoting the well-being of senior citizens. The NPOP emphasises the importance of intergenerational bonding and advocates for the rights of older persons in society.
The International Day of Older Persons is an opportunity to showcase the contributions of senior citizens and to promote their welfare. The celebrations provide a platform to raise awareness about the issues faced by senior citizens and to highlight the need for more support and resources. The month-long activities planned by the government and various organizations provide a comprehensive plan to address the challenges faced by senior citizens and to promote their overall well-being.