In a touching celebration of India’s elderly people and their resilience and wisdom, the Rashtrapati Bhavan on Friday (May 2) became a kaleidoscopic melting pot of generations. The event, aptly named “Ageing with Dignity” was not merely a ceremonial meeting, but a resounding assertion that the nation’s elderly are not to be excluded, but honoured, cared for, and empowered.
At the centre of the function was President Droupadi Murmu, who inaugurated a series of path-breaking initiatives designed to secure the well-being and respect of India’s elderly population. Organised by the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, the function was a mix of policy, spirituality, and emotion, leaving behind a lasting impact on all those who attended it.
A Morning of Stories and Strength
The day started on a very personal note. President Murmu had an intimate interaction with a group of “Unsung Heroes” older citizens whose unsung efforts in areas such as education, literature, social service, and sports often remained unheralded. Several of them were Padma awardees, whose life was marked by adversity, resilience, and a strong sense of commitment to social service.
“There is a sort of strength in quiet, in service that seeks no applause,” the President said in the exchange. “These people remind us that ageing is not a decline, but a culmination of purpose.”
Schoolchildren, religious leaders, and members of civil society lent a distinct intergenerational warmth to the assembly. The three groups signed together in unison a sacred promise—signed by the President herself to cherish the dignity and rights of seniors, a touch that reflected the country’s oldest tradition of filial respect towards elders.
Digital Inclusion for the Digital Age
One of the highlights of the event was the official inauguration of the Senior Citizen Welfare Portal. The easy-to-use online portal is envisioned as a one-stop shop for India’s elderly, offering convenient access to government schemes, healthcare facilities, welfare information, and social support mechanisms.
For 73-year-old Uma Devi of Vellore, who watched the online part of the event, the portal is more than convenience. “I feel lost often with paperwork and government procedures. If I can now get information on my phone or get assistance from someone trained, it will be a world of difference,” she said.
Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment, Dr. Virendra Kumar, underscored the philosophical aspects of the initiative: “Our policies for the elderly are born from empathy and profound cultural respect. The launch of the Senior Citizen Welfare Portal and the inauguration of senior citizen homes reflect the government’s strong commitment to inclusive development and active ageing. The event aimed at fostering an inclusive society for the senior citizens.
Homes of Comfort and Care
In yet another big step, President Murmu digitally opened five newly constructed Senior Citizen Homes in Tawang (Arunachal Pradesh), Wokha (Nagaland), Vellore (Tamil Nadu), Anakapalli (Andhra Pradesh), and Nainital (Uttarakhand). These homes, funded under the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act (MWPSC), would offer comprehensive care, physical, emotional, and social, to destitute or abandoned seniors.
With accessibility, safety, and community participation in mind, these homes demonstrate the government’s emphasis on inclusive development. Every home is provided with medical facilities, mental well-being programs, and recreational areas to promote dignity and happiness in ageing.
“I never thought I would find companionship and comfort at this point in life,” said 82-year-old Pema Lhamu, a first resident of the Tawang home. “This is not only a shelter—it is a family.”
A Spiritual Commitment: MoU with Brahma Kumaris
The event also saw a remarkable spiritual and societal alignment with the signing of an MoU between the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment and the Brahma Kumaris organisation. The alliance seeks to foster intergenerational bonding, mental well-being, and inner peace among both the elderly and youth.
Based on decades of experience in emotional well-being and mindfulness, the Brahma Kumaris will host regular workshops and counselling sessions dedicated to spiritual enrichment, mental clarity, and age-related mental health care.
“This partnership is not about meditation and silence,” said Sister Shivani, a veteran teacher with the Brahma Kumaris. “It is about bridging generations through common values, stories, and the fact that wisdom doesn’t age it matures.”
Aids, Empathy, and Active Ageing
Another profoundly emotional moment was the handing over of Assistive Devices and Aids under the Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana (RVY). President Murmu herself distributed hearing aids, walking sticks, and other mobility-support devices to the deserving beneficiaries.
For 69-year-old Ram Singh of Uttarakhand, who was given a walker, the gesture was symbolic more than anything else. “This means freedom,” he said, his voice shaking. “It means I can walk to the temple again, without fear.”
The focus on “active ageing” was evident in every detail of the event. Speakers emphasised how well-being in old age is not just about physical health but also emotional support, mental stimulation, and involvement in the community.
“Elders are not a burden. They are our knowledge keepers, our emotional anchors,” declared Minister of State Dr. Ramdas Athawale. “If India wants to grow, it must grow together with its seniors at the center, not the margins.”
Towards a More Compassionate Society
In her closing remarks, President Murmu addressed a vision beyond policy—a vision of a kind, connected India.
“Respect for the elderly is not only a cultural value, it is a national responsibility,” she stated. “Through these efforts, we are not engaging in charity. We are merely returning what is theirs, dignity, respect, and love.”
The ceremony ended with a musical tribute and a community dinner, gathering participants from diverse backgrounds, students, administrators, elders, and volunteers.
As the sun set behind Rashtrapati Bhavan’s domes, it was apparent that Ageing with Dignity was more than an event. It was a promise. A promise that India’s elderly citizens often shoved into the shadows, would now stand in the light. Not merely to be cared for, but to be revered.
