LEH: The International Day of Older Persons was observed at the Mahabodhi Zimskhang Old Age Home in Leh on Thursday, bringing together government departments, social organisations, children and members of the community around the need to ensure dignity, care and support for the elderly.
The programme was held under the theme “The Age of Longevity: Rethinking Systems for Longer Lives” and was attended by Ven. Bhikkhu Sanghasena, Founder of Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre (MIMC), as the chief guest, while Dr Zahida Bano, JKAS, Director, Department of Social and Tribal Welfare, UT Ladakh, was the guest of honour.
Dr Rinchen Chosdol, Chief Medical Officer, Leh, and Nilza Angmo, JKAS, District Social Welfare Officer, Leh, were also present.
Children from Mahabodhi Atta Deepa Bhava School joined the celebrations by presenting flowers and khatags to the elderly residents and performing a song. Ven. Bhikkhu Sanghasena also presented gifts to the residents.
The Department of Ladakh Art, Culture and Languages, Leh, presented traditional dances for the elderly, while singer Illyas Khan performed a series of songs during the programme.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Rinchen Chosdol appreciated Ven. Bhikkhu Sanghasena and MIMC for establishing and nurturing the old age home. Recalling her childhood visits to the facility, she said she had earlier visited the home with snacks to spend time with the elderly and that her appreciation for the work of Ven. Bhikkhu Sanghasena had continued over the years.
Nilza Angmo spoke about the new old age home initiative of the UT Administration and appreciated MIMC and Ven. Bhikkhu Sanghasena for taking responsibility for the facility and continuing to provide care and services to its elderly residents.
In his address, Ven. Bhikkhu Sanghasena extended greetings to the elderly residents and said that while considerable attention and activities were organised for children and young people, older persons should not be forgotten.
He stressed that young people also had a responsibility to care for and serve older persons, whether known to them or not, whenever an opportunity arose.
Ven. Bhikkhu Sanghasena also appreciated the Government of India for promoting the establishment of old age homes across districts and underlined the need for a society in which older persons are respected, cared for and treated with dignity.
As part of the programme, service stalls were set up for the residents by the Medical Department, Leh, Sowa-Rigpa, J&K Bank, State Bank of India and the Handicrafts Department, Leh. The stalls provided health, banking and welfare-related services to the elderly residents.
