The inaugural session of ‘The two-day national-level workshop on elderly issues’, sponsored by the National Institute of Social Defence, Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Government of India, was held on October 15, 2025, at the Conference Hall, Department of Sociology, Nagaland University.
The event witnessed active participation from representatives of six neighboring villages, research scholars and postgraduate students, fostering a multidisciplinary and community-oriented dialogue on elderly issues, informed a press release by the NU PRO.
The session was chaired by Prof. Temjensosang, Dept of Sociology, Nagaland University. The proceedings began with a welcome address from the Chairperson, followed by the rendition of the University song, which set a solemn tone for the event.
A brief felicitation ceremony was held in honor of Prof. Mala Kapur Shankardass, who was present as the key resource person for the workshop.
Download Nagaland Tribune app on Google Play
In her introductory address, Prof. Toshimenla Jamir, Head of Department and Convenor of the workshop provided a comprehensive overview of the objectives and expected outcomes of the workshop, underscoring its relevance in the current socio-demographic context.
The Vice-Chancellor of Nagaland University, Prof. Jagadish K. Patnaik, addressed the gathering, emphasizing the importance of academic collaboration, interdisciplinary engagement, and the need to integrate scholarly research into policy frameworks addressing elderly issues. This was followed by a melodious ‘Aaholi’ group song by research scholars and masters’ students from the Department of Sociology, adding a rich cultural dimension to the academic setting.
The keynote address was delivered by Prof. Mala Kapur Shankardass who retired as Professor from Delhi University and is a distinguished expert in gerontology and social policy. She highlighted insights on ranges of critical concern affecting the elderly, including social exclusion, financial vulnerability, and the lack of comprehensive policy support. She emphasized the need for increased awareness, strategic planning, and policy formulation, underpinned by a sociological perspective. Her address also highlighted the importance of integrating academic insights into policy-making to ensure inclusive and equitable solutions for the elderly population.
The session concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Sandeep Gupta, Associate Professor, Dept of Sociology who expressed gratitude to the dignitaries, participants, and organizers for their active involvement and invaluable contributions towards making the event a success. The rapporteur was Raja Darang, a research scholar in the Dept of Sociology, Nagaland University.
