Kidwai urges elderly to get involved in social work

Chandigarh, Sep 10 (UNI) Haryana Governor Dr A R Kidwai urged the senior citizens to devote their time and energy for the uplift of poor sections of the society.

Presiding over the 'Elders Day' function organised by Senior Citizens Welfare Association of Manimajra, Dr. Kidwai said that those who stop doing physical and mental work after retirement become a burden on the society.

He advised them to start a fresh inning after 65 years because in the changed scenario and better health facilities, the life span of senior citizens has increased.

He said that to attain true peace one should work for the welfare of the less fortunate.

While commenting that India is the only country where elders were given due respect, he said that people should uphold the age-old traditions and culture and strengthen the joint family system.

The Governor asked members of the Association to fan out in the slum colonies to try to improve the living standard of the poor.

He announced an allocation of Rs. one lakh to the Association for venturing in this onerous task.

He said that the Union Government was providing health insurance and other facilities to the senior citizens above 65 so that they could lead their life respectfully.

On this occasion, he also honoured senior citizens above 75 years of age and others who had rendered distinguished services for the sake of elders.

Speaking on the occasion, founder of senior citizens movement in the region P.H. Vashinav said that problems of poverty get compounded with the old age.

He stated that concrete support structure was essential for providing help to the aged, as available in many foreign countries.

UNI