Droupadi Murmu emphasised the role of senior citizens, highlighting them as pillars of wisdom and tradition. She called for collective responsibility in ensuring the dignity, happiness, and well-being of India's elderly population, recognising their invaluable contribution to shaping society
President Droupadi Murmu addresses the 'Aging with Dignity' event in New Delhi, on Friday. PIC/PTI
President Droupadi Murmu hosted the 'Aging and Dignity' event at Rashtrapati Bhavan for the elderly on Friday.
Speaking at the event, President Murmu said that senior citizens are a vital link to our past and guides to our future. She urged all the citizens to remain committed to their welfare and learn from their vast experiences. “Our senior citizens represent wisdom, prudence, and tradition. We must ensure that their dignity and health are a shared duty,” she added.
President Murmu also emphasised the role of senior citizens, highlighting them as pillars of wisdom and tradition. She called for collective responsibility in ensuring the dignity, happiness, and well-being of India's elderly population, recognising their invaluable contribution to shaping society and guiding future generations.
Before the programme commenced, President Murmu interacted with five senior citizens who shared their life experiences. She praised and supported their roles in fostering unity in society through their stories and perspectives.
The President also pointed to cultural values that uphold respect for elders, saying, “Respect for parents and elders is there in our traditions. In many households, children are happiest with their grandparents. Often, what children won't accept from their parents, they gladly accept when told by a grandparent,” according to the reports of PTI.
President Murmu acknowledged the emotional and psychological support that elderly family members offer. “When elders see their families thriving, their physical and mental well-being also improves. They are emotional pillars for their families,” she said. Further adding, she appealed to citizens to “honour their presence, value their guidance, and cherish their companionship.”
Droupadi Murmu praised the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE) for initiating several measures aimed at ensuring dignity in the lives of the elderly. She appreciated and acknowledged the launch of a dedicated portal for senior citizens, calling it a “one-stop digital platform” to support their needs.
During the programme, Droupadi Murmu mentioned several government initiatives specially designed to improve the quality of life for senior citizens, such as the Ayushman Bharat-PM Jan Arogya Yojana, which provides up to Rs 5 lakh annually for citizens aged 70 and above. She further said, “The health of our elderly is essential for guiding families and society.”
Amid these initiatives to help senior citizens, problems remain unsolved. Murmu expressed concern over the evolving challenges faced by the elderly. “With economic growth and modernisation, young people often migrate for jobs, leaving behind elders who crave love and respect. Sometimes, even when parents live with their children, they don't receive the affection and dignity they deserve. Sadly, some people even consider the elderly a burden,” she said, according to reports from PTI.
According to Droupadi Murmu, senior citizens are a “storehouse of knowledge” and have the potential to guide the youth and strengthen the nation’s progress. “Our senior citizens can lead society and the country towards greater prosperity,” she said.
During the occasion, Murmu announced several government initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life for senior citizens, such as the Ayushman Bharat-PM Jan Arogya Yojana, which provides up to Rs 5 lakh annually for citizens aged 70 and above. She further noted that, “The health of our elderly is essential for guiding families and society.”
(With PTI inputs)
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