Senior citizens valuable assets for society: Dy CM

JAMMU, OCTOBER 23 – Recognizing the contribution of senior citizens towards creating a progressive and prosperous society, Deputy Chief Minister Dr. Nirmal Singh appealed the youth to learn from their experiences and expertise for taking the nation to greater heights.

The Deputy CM said this during a function organized by Senior Citizens’ Rejuvenation Centre (SCRC) to celebrate its 4th foundation day.

MLC Vikram Randhawa, Chief Engineer PDD Ashwani Gupta, Joint Commissioner JMC Rajesh Sharma besides prominent citizens including TR Gupta, Harinder Gupta and Mamta Singh were also present on the occasion.

President SCRC Bal Krishan Gupta, General Secretary SCRC A. K. Kalsotra and other members of the Centre participated in the function.

The Deputy CM said the government provides several benefits through various schemes and policies for older persons which are meant to promote the health and well-being of senior citizens around the country. He said the traditional Indian society and the age-old joint family system have been instrumental in safeguarding the socio-economic security of the elderly people. However, with rapid changes in society and the emergence of nuclear families in recent years, the elderly are likely to be exposed to emotional, physical and financial insecurity in the years to come, he maintained. He expressed hope in the strength of cultural ties and social fabrics of the state and the country to provide direction to turbulent relations in the families of modern times.

The Deputy Chief Minister, while referring to the major initiatives being taken up by the present government for developing Jammu city, said that work on prestigious projects including multi-level parking at B.C Road, Tawi River Front Development Project, Maharaja Hari Singh Park, establishment of IIT,IIM, IIMC  and others is in full swing.

Dr Singh urged the senior citizens to exhibit participatory role in the developmental activities maintaining that it would ensure that the schemes are fast-paced and completed within the stipulated timeline.

Acknowledging the fact that senior citizens can contribute extensively in the progress and development of nation, the Deputy CM said that their experience and wisdom are worth following with which we can learn and achieve our goals.

          Earlier, President SCRC said the aim of this Centre is to create an engagement platform for senior citizens to interact socially, build a support network, boost their self esteem and lead an active life.

The Centre is open to all senior citizens and hosts a plethora of activities such as yoga, laughter club, spiritual lectures, aerobics, quizzes and games, birthday celebrations, panel discussions, hobbies and craft classes, festival celebrations.