LUCKNOW: On the occasion of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day which is observed globally on June 15, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath issued an emotional letter to the people of the state and expressed his concern over the growing number of old-age homes and the declining culture of caring for elderly family members. He laid emphasis on the importance of Indian values and traditions and urged people to respect and care for senior citizens. He also announced that the Uttar Pradesh government will provide a monthly pension of Rs 1,500 to elderly people and destitute women to help them live with dignity and financial security.
He urged society to think about the reasons behind this trend and work towards strengthening family bonds and respect for elders. Highlighting the importance of family values in Indian society, the Chief Minister said that Sanatan culture places parents and teachers at the highest pedestal of respect. He noted that honouring elders is not merely a social obligation but a defining feature of India’s civilisational ethos. “Respect for elders is not just a tradition; it is the identity of our glorious culture,” he said, adding that generations of Indians have drawn guidance, wisdom and values from their parents and senior family members.
मेरे सम्मानित प्रदेशवासियों,
आज घर सूने हो रहे हैं और वृद्धाश्रम बढ़ रहे हैं। यह तथ्य मन को व्यथित करता है। यह स्थिति क्यों आई? आज विश्व वृद्धजन दुर्व्यवहार जागरूकता दिवस पर एक संवेदनशील नागरिक होने के नाते हमें इस पर विचार करना चाहिए।
सनातन संस्कृति में माता-पिता और गुरु को… pic.twitter.com/Cx79c3mMOA
— Yogi Adityanath (@myogiadityanath) June 15, 2026
The Chief Minister acknowledged that rapid urbanisation, migration and changing lifestyles have transformed family structures across the country. Young people often move away from their homes for education, employment and better opportunities, leaving elderly parents behind. While these developments are part of modern life, he stressed that the responsibility of caring for aging parents must not be forgotten.
Drawing from Hindu tradition, Yogi Adityanath referred to the story of Lord Ganesha, who chose to circumambulate his parents, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, instead of travelling around the world during a divine contest. The story, he said, symbolises the supreme place that parents hold in one’s life and serves as a reminder of the values that have guided Indian society for centuries.
As part of the government’s welfare efforts, the Chief Minister Yogi announced that elderly citizens and destitute women would receive a monthly pension of Rs 1,500. The initiative aims to provide financial security and ensure a respectful and independent life for vulnerable sections of society. The Uttar Pradesh government is also working to connect destitute women and elderly beneficiaries with major healthcare and social welfare schemes.
The Chief Minister said that eligible beneficiaries are being connected with government health schemes such as Ayushman Bharat and Mukhyamantri Jan Arogya Yojana so that they can receive proper medical treatment. They are also being linked with housing and other welfare schemes to improve their standard of living. CM Yogi Adityanath also said that elderly people are a source of wisdom, experience and values. Their guidance helps families and society, and caring for them is a shared responsibility of everyone.
The Chief Minister also linked his message to the upcoming International Day of Yoga, which is on June 21. He said that this year’s theme, “Yoga for Healthy Aging” and it focuses on helping elderly people stay fit, active and mentally strong. Encouraging people of all age groups to adopt yoga as a daily practice, he said regular yoga can contribute significantly to maintaining health, mobility and emotional balance in later years. He described yoga as a simple yet effective tool for ensuring active and healthy aging.
Concluding his letter, Yogi Adityanath appealed to citizens to treat elderly people with affection, respect and gratitude. He urged families to strengthen intergenerational bonds and ensure that senior citizens remain valued members of society. The Chief Minister stressed that elderly people should be treated with respect and said the government is taking steps to improve their quality of life.
