Under the theme ‘The Resilience of Older Persons in a Changing World’, the International Day of Older Persons 2023 was celebrated in various districts in Nagaland.
In Tuensang district, the event was held at Town Hall on October 1 with Lithrongla Tongpi Rutsa, Deputy Commissioner of Tuensang, gracing the occasion as the Special Guest.
A DIPR report informed that the program was organized by the District Welfare Office in collaboration with United Tribal of Elders, Leaders Union (UTELU), District Administration, District Election Office Tuensang, Department of Health and Family Welfare, District Hospital Tuensang, and the National Helpline for Senior Citizens.
In her brief address, the Deputy Commissioner emphasized on the invaluable contribution of older persons to society. She highlighted that being older does not imply weakness in willpower or wisdom; rather, it signifies a wealth of knowledge in cultural history and the value of work. Lithrongla Tongpi Rutsa further urged the younger generation to extend love, care, and support to older individuals, recognizing the importance of their wisdom and experience.
During the event, the Deputy Commissioner, along with the District Election Officer Tuensang, administered the Pledge on Clean Election, reinforcing the commitment to fair and ethical electoral practices.
The program was chaired by Neolu, and the welcome note was delivered by Moa Longkumer, DWO Tuensang. The vote of thanks was extended by Thsapongchem Inspector, DWO Tuensang.
The event witnessed the participation of over 200 older citizens from Tuensang, underscoring the significance of celebrating the resilience and wisdom of older persons, informed the DIPR.
Meluri
The village of Meluri came together to celebrate International Older Persons Day at the Meluri Village Council hall on October 1, 2023. The event was organized by the Village Council of Meluri and sponsored by Advisor N&RE and NSDMA, Z. Nyusietho Nyuthe, who was the Chief Host.
Advisor Z. Nyusietho Nyuthe expressed his delight that Meluri has a substantial population of elderly individuals, with 167 people aged 75 and above, including 88 octogenarians and 17 nonagenarians. The statistics indicated a slightly higher population of elderly men numbering at 86, compared to women, who numbered 81, informed the DIPR.
In his address, the chief host delved into the global theme “Resilience and Contribution of Older Persons in a Changing World.”
The program commenced with an invocation and benediction by Rev. Müluote Nyuwi, Pastor of MVBC, and Rev. T. Kachüsie Phoji. The vote of thanks was delivered by Nyuletho Nyuthe, Chairman of the Meluri Older People Union, expressing gratitude to all those who contributed to the success of the event.
The program was chaired by Tsirütho Nyusou, VCC Meluri, bringing the community together to celebrate the resilience and contributions of older individuals.
Zunheboto
The Zunheboto District Senior Citizen Association, in collaboration with the Social Welfare Department and Legal Services Authority, joined the global celebration of International Day of Older Persons on October 1. According to DIPR, the event took place at the VDB Hall focusing on the theme, “Resilience of Older Persons in a Changing World.”
The program was graced by the presence of K. Tokugha Sukhalu, IAS (Rtd), Advisor for Food & Civil Supplies and Legal Metrology, as the Special Guest, informed the DIPR.
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Advisor K. Tokugha Sukhalu, IAS (Rtd), in his address, urged everyone to come together to honor and celebrate the significant contributions of seniors in the society. He emphasized that older individuals have played an integral role in shaping society and the lives of the younger generation. Reflecting on the challenges faced by senior citizens, Sukhalu called for greater awareness of their needs, emphasizing the importance of respect, understanding, and care.
The importance of creating a more inclusive and equitable society where seniors can live with dignity and fulfillment, was also discussed. The International Day of Older Persons serves as an opportunity to recognize the importance of older individuals and raise awareness about their challenges in accessing healthcare, social security, and other services, said Sukhalu, stressing on the need for policies and legislation to protect the rights and well-being of older persons.
Advisor Sukhalu also highlighted the historical contributions of Zunheboto’s elders, who played a pivotal role in establishing the district as the Sumi headquarters. He called upon the community to contribute to the prosperity and peace of society, citing the need for land donations to support development initiatives.
EAC Hq. Moplin, in his brief speech, expressed gratitude to the seniors for their efforts in building and maintaining the district, further emphasizing on the importance of their wisdom and support for the administration.
The program, chaired by Er. Yekuto Zhimomi, GS of the Senior Citizen Association Zunheboto District Unit (SCAZDU), included an invocation prayer by Rev. Henito Kiba, Chaplain of SCAZDU, a welcome address by Er. Ghokishe Zhimomi, President of SCAZDU, and a keynote address by Y. Tauhong Ngonyen, DWO Zunheboto.
Easter H. Yeptho, a retainer lawyer in Zunheboto, spoke about the rights and facilities available to older persons. Special performances were presented by Yetozhe Zhimomi and group and the Hope Messengers.
Rev. Honito Chophi, Pastor of UBC Satakha, offered prayers for the older persons, and Akuto Chishi, Advisor of SCAZDU, delivered the vote of thanks.