The International Day of Older Persons was observed across all districts of Nagaland on Thursday on the theme, “The Age of Longevity: Rethinking Systems for Longer Lives.”
In Tuensang, the day was observed at the Town Hall with Deputy Commissioner Tuensang, Lithrongla Tongpi Rutsa, as the special guest. The programme was organised by the Department of Social Welfare in collaboration with the United Tribal of Elders, Leaders Union (UTELU), Tuensang.
Addressing the gathering, Lithrongla Tongpi Rutsa called for greater recognition of the contributions made by senior citizens towards the betterment of society and communities.
She urged younger generations not to overlook the wisdom and guidance of elders, but to learn from their experiences, noting that older persons have made significant contributions towards building peaceful and harmonious communities.
The Deputy Commissioner also encouraged senior citizens to pass on their knowledge and experience in areas such as handicrafts, culture, traditional practices and medicinal plants to younger generations so that valuable indigenous knowledge can be preserved and carried forward.
She called upon the younger generation to create an environment in which ageing is viewed as a blessing rather than a source of fear.
The programme featured a welcome address by T. Longleng Luckpan, District Welfare Officer, Tuensang, followed by the presentation of the District Level Distinguished Senior Citizens Award 2026 to K. Yanchumong Chang and K. Ayanla.
A special prayer for elderly persons was offered by C. Laipan Phom, Associate Pastor, Phom Baptist Attoi.
The programme was chaired by Wongto Chang, CDPO, Sangsangnyu Project, while UTELU President Impongsoted delivered the vote of thanks.
The programme was followed by a free medical camp organised by the Department of Social Welfare in collaboration with the Department of Health and Family Welfare.
MOKOKCHUNG:
The Department of Social Welfare observed the International Day of Older Persons at Kumlong Community Hall, Mokokchung on October 1.
Speaking on the theme of the event “the Age of Longevity: Rethinking Systems for Longer Lives’, Pastor, Impur Baptist Church, Anok Amer, said that older citizens are a blessing to the people in the society and proper care must be taken for their better and longer life. He also exhorted the senior citizens to be socially, mentally and physically active so as to become a greater productive member in the society. While measures for long term preparation for better and longer life must be taken, he stressed that there is also a need for social protection of the older people.
The event concluded with the free health screening for senior citizens, jointly organised by the Department of Social Welfare and Health & Family Welfare, Mokokchung District.
ZUNHEBOTO:
The Department of Social Welfare, Nagaland, in collaboration with the Senior Citizens Association Zunheboto, Legal Services Authority, Town Council Zunheboto and school students, organised the 19th Celebration of the International Day of Older Persons at the Town Hall on October 1.
The event was followed by a free health camp for senior citizens at the same venue.
The programme opened with an invocation by Vihokhü Zhimomi, Assistant Pastor, ZTSBC followed by a Keynote address delivered by R Imtinukshi, District Welfare Officer, Zunheboto.
In his address, Deputy Commissioner of Zunheboto, Dharam Raj, IAS, emphasised the importance of ensuring a healthy, active and meaningful life for senior citizens while acknowledging the efforts of the government and various departments in improving the quality and longevity of life of the elders.
Expressing gratitude to all the people and departments involved, the Deputy Commissioner said that the government has been working consistently towards enabling people to live longer and healthier lives. He noted that a significant portion of the population now comprises elderly persons, with the average life expectancy steadily increasing, reflecting the impact of various government initiatives.
Referring to welfare measures such as Ayushman Bharat and old age pension schemes, he said that such initiatives demonstrate the government’s efforts towards the welfare and well-being of senior citizens. However, he stressed that the emotional and social aspects of ageing should also receive due attention.
The Deputy Commissioner observed that while the average age of the population has increased, India still has room to progress compared to developed countries such as Japan in terms of longevity and healthy ageing.
He also highlighted the importance of keeping senior citizens actively engaged in society, sharing their experiences and ideas with the younger generation, can provide meaningful engagement while also helping preserve traditions, values and cultural knowledge.
Awards were presented to outstanding senior citizens. State level awardees were Kitoli Naje and H Kashito Yepthomi, while the district level awards went to N Atoli Sema and N Toihe Sema.
Retainer Lawyer, District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Easter H Yeptho, served as the resource person. Dr. Hutton Sümi, Pastor, SBCZ, offered a special prayer for older persons. The vote of thanks was proposed by Er Hokhevi Muru, Vice-President, and the benediction was pronounced by Kughavi V. Chishi, Pastor, NCRC Sümi, Zunheboto.
Parallel to the celebrations, an awareness programme on “The Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007” was conducted at the Town Hall. The session was organised by the Department of Social Welfare in collaboration with the Zunheboto District Legal Services Authority under the aegis of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA).
The twin events highlighted the importance of recognising the contributions of older persons, strengthening support systems for longer and healthier lives, and creating greater awareness about the legal rights and protections available to senior citizens and their families.
LONGLENG:
The Department of Social Welfare Longleng organised the International Older Persons Day on the theme ” The Age of Longevity; Rethinking Systems for Longer Lives” on October 1 at VCC/VDB Hall, Longleng, with ADC Longleng, Thungchanbemo Tungoe, NCS, gracing the occasion as the special guest. The programme commenced with an invocation pronounced by Pastor LTBC Rev H Beau, followed by a welcomed address by Sr Supervisor, T Shahnyu Phom.
In his address, the special guest, called upon the senior citizens not to live an idle life but to remain active through regular physical exercises such as walking and doing light household work for at least half an hour daily to maintain a good health life.
The ADC said that longevity of life is a blessing and that a clean surrounding and timely availability of healthcare services are crucial factors for healthy coexistence in the locality. He stated that free medical check-up organized today is one such initiative of the government to help and support the senior citizens. He also highlighted various public facilities being provided by the government, including the pension system, to ensure their welfare.
The ADC further appreciated the efforts of the Social Welfare Department in extending assistance and support to the elderly community.
Emphasizing the importance of respecting elders, Thungchanbemo said, we should not disregard senior citizens but rather consider them as a source of blessings. They should be respected and taken care of. He noted that the life of senior citizens, compared to the present generation, was much harder with hardships and sacrifices. He urged the younger generation to seek knowledge and wisdom from the elders and learn from their past experiences.
In his keynote address, DPO, Social Welfare Longleng, S Yesumong Sangtam briefed the gathering on various government schemes available under the Social Welfare Department. Short speech was also delivered by the President of Senior Citizens Forum Longleng, Elung Phom.
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Acknowledging the senior citizens, the Social Welfare Department give away district awards to the senior citizens, and also conducted a medical camp in collaboration with the Health & Family Welfare, Longleng during the occasion. Dennyi Lakpan from Native Music School, Longleng presented a special song.
The programme was chaired by CDPO Tamlu, Chingyam Phom, and the programme concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by CDPO Longleng, Anuo Longho.
KIPHIRE:
The International Day of Older Persons was celebrated at Hopongkyu Memorial Hall, Kiphire on October 1, organised by the Department of Social Welfare, Kiphire with SDO (C) Kiphire, Rozy Sangtam as the special guest.
Speaking as the special guest, the SDO reflecting on the theme, Rozy Sangtam said that people are fortunate to live in an era of advanced medical care, which has contributed to longer and healthier lives.
Addressing the older persons, she urged them not to consider themselves a burden to their children or grandchildren, but to recognise themselves as a valuable source of knowledge, experience and wisdom for younger generation. She encouraged them to stand up for their rights and to speak up when their rights and needs are not adequately addressed.
She further described older persons as valuable human resources, particularly in Naga Society, where elders play an important role in preserving custom, tradition and community values. Sangtam also called upon the younger generation to respect and value their elders, and to seek their advice and guidance, noting that their experience and wisdom remain an important resource for society.
Thsantsumong and M Visheli Sumi were honoured in recognition of their distinguished service rendered to society. The programme was followed by a free medical camp for senior citizens and a community lunch.
WOKHA:
The International Day of Older Persons was observed at Tiyi Hall, Wokha on October 1. Jointly organized by the District Administration and the Department of Social Welfare, Wokha, and brought together senior citizens, officials, students, and community members in a meaningful celebration of wisdom and legacy. DC Wokha, K Mhathung Tsanglao, graced the occasion as the Special Guest.
In his address, the DC stressed that the day should not be seen as a mere celebration but as an opportunity to create meaningful impact. He called for the preservation of culture and traditions inherited from forefathers and urged the younger generation to acknowledge the sacrifices that shaped the landscape and ecosystem of society. He also spoke on various government schemes and facilities available to senior citizens, assuring that assistance would be extended to those in distress.
The DC underscored the significance of involving school students in such events, noting that it helps them learn from elders’ courage and sacrifices. He encouraged senior citizens to keep faith in God, to continue guiding the youth, and to avoid divisions based on clanism or external interests that could sow disunity.
He further urged elders to engage in constructive thought and action for the betterment of the community, assuring full cooperation from the government side.
The theme address was delivered by Acting Principal of Bailey Baptist College, Wokha, T Penthungo Lotha, who spoke on the importance of healthy lifestyles in old age. He emphasized the need for senior citizens to embrace practices that ensure longevity and wellbeing. He also highlighted social security measures and government programmes designed for elders, stressing the importance of creating age-friendly healthcare systems and community ecosystems.
Drawing on global examples and statistics, he called for a compassionate and inclusive attitude towards senior citizens.
Advisor to the Chief Minister, Dr Chumben Murry also called for greater respect, inclusion and gratitude towards senior citizens. Speaking on behalf of the Senior Well-being and Recreational Club, he said the club was formed to provide recreational activities for senior citizens and expressed hope that more opportunities for recreation and social engagement would be created for senior citizens.
The welcome address was delivered by District Welfare Officer, C James Ezung, who highlighted the objectives of the observance and paid tribute to the invaluable contributions and sacrifices of senior citizens in guiding the youth and shaping younger generations. He emphasized the importance of honoring elders as custodians of knowledge, tradition, and moral strength.
As part of the annual tradition, the District Social Welfare Department conferred district awards to one male and one female elder in recognition of their contributions. This year, the honors were bestowed upon H Nyanbemo Ngullie and Nchumbeni Kithan, who received certificates along with a cash award of ₹10,000 each. The awards were presented by Deputy Commissioner K Mhathung Tsanglao.
The programme also featured a special song presented by retired nurses, adding a heartfelt touch to the occasion. Words of gratitude were expressed by Nzanbemo Ngullie, while the event was chaired by N. Renchio.
The observance concluded with a reaffirmation of the community’s commitment to respect, support, and celebrate its elders, recognizing them as pillars of wisdom and guardians of tradition.
