Noklak district celebrated International Day of Older Persons for the first time since the inception of the district on October 1 at White Hall, Noklak Village. The celebration was held under the theme “Older Persons Driving Local and Global Action: Our Aspirations, Our Well-Being, Our Rights” organised by the Department of Social Welfare, Noklak district with an attendance of 206 elderly persons taking part in the celebration.
Theme speaker, Pastor, Baptist Church Thang, Langshen K stressed that the aspirations of older persons center on love, care, and well-being within their families. He added that old age should be seen as a stage of refined wisdom, where elders play a vital role in guiding grandchildren and passing on values to future generations. He also underlined that God works through the wisdom of people such as the Department of Social Welfare and other humanitarian acts to care for the elderly, which is part of God’s provision.
The Pastor also offered special prayer upon the lives of the elders persons.
Dr Victor, NC CMO, Noklak, expressed gratitude for the lives of elderly persons and reminded that the International Day of Older Persons has been observed globally since 1990. He informed that under the Social Welfare Department, senior citizens are eligible for old age pensions, and at the District Hospital, elderly persons above 60 years are exempted from registration fees and provides free treatment. Medical investigations are given at a 50 percent concession, while economically disadvantaged patients receive full medical support. He further mentioned that under the PMJY scheme, free treatment up to ₹5 lakh is available for beneficiaries.
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On the health front, he cautioned about challenges faced by the elderly, financial stress, and domestic problems, which often lead to mental, psychological, and physical health issues such as hypertension. He urged the elderly to seek timely medical attention, highlighting that free medication for high blood pressure is available.
He also raised concern over the rising prevalence of diabetes among the Khiamniungan population. He warned that untreated diabetes and high blood pressure often lead to complications such as kidney failure, which has caused many preventable deaths. Dr. Victor called upon village councils and responsible adults to assist elderly citizens in availing old age pensions and other welfare schemes.
As part of the celebration, two older persons were honored for the service rendered to the community.
Musho, aged 70, was honoured for his service as Executive Chairman of the Bazar Union, Noklak, earlier called ‘Thang-Pangsha Shopkeepers Union’ between the years 1994-2001. He helped streamline tax collection for the welfare of the business community and shared an incident where he was threatened at gunpoint by an underground group over taxation.
Tsujang, aged 75 was also honoured for the leadership service. She recalled that in her earlier days, she pioneered the Mother’s Union in her village to uplift women and promote a life of ease and dignity for women in the community.
Earlier, the program was chaired by Longshen Sheu, Sr. Supervisor, invocation was pronounced by Thingpia, Associate Pastor Women, Thang Baptist Church, welcome & Keynote Address was given by Indhe, DEO, DHEW, accolade & honoring of the Older Persons by Vein M, DMC, DHEW. The celebration was followed by Health screening.
