Nagaland observes Older Persons day

Kohima, Oct 1: Nagaland today observed International Day of Older Persons with a pledge not to discriminate against the elders and allow them to age gracefully while acknowledging their service for the uplift of society.

Organised by Department of Social Welfare, Nagaland government, the theme of the day was "Take a stand against Ageism".

It commenced with young and old joining the walkathon holding placards.

"Ageism is a discrimination faced by a group of bracketed category of people who are in the age of 60 years and above and it is present in the most affluent as well as among the poorest section of society," Secretary of Social Welfare Department, Dellirose M Sakhrie said while delivering the keynote address.

Expressing that minimising and eradicating ageism begins with the recognition of the issue, Sakhrie said the challenge before all is to gain a deeper understanding of the various issues faced by the aged people, who are physically, emotionally and mentally fragile.

She said older persons are asset to society because of their vast experience and knowledge in the many active years they have been through.

Marking the occasion, the department also honoured two elderly persons with the State level awards - Rev Dr L Noksangchila and Dr C Thridongse -- while the Kohima district awardees are Vichii Zashiimo and Chatuo Paphino.

PTI