(Left) Recipients of district level (Kohima) awardees with Noke Wangnao and others. (Right) Recipients of state level awardees with Noke Wangnao and others. (Morung Photo)
Our Correspondent
Kohima | October 1
Nagaland today observed International Day of Older Persons and acknowledged the service of the senior citizens for upliftment of the society.
In Kohima, several citizens turned up for the programme at Highland Park organized by the Department of Social Welfare, Nagaland with the theme “The Resilience and Contributions of Older Women.”
Gracing the occasion as the special guest, Noke Wangnao, Advisor for Social Welfare, HG&CD Nagaland handed over the distinguished Senior Citizens Award.
Two awardees for state level included: Dr Joyce Zinyu Angami, president, Nagaland Medical Council and Prof Talitsuba Alinger, former Director of School Education and SCERT, Nagaland.
District-level distinguished senior citizens awardees for Kohima district included; Vizosul Luho of Khuzama village and Viltole Sothu of Viswema village.
The programme also witnessed health mela, conducted by Department of Health & Family Welfare, Nagaland. Senior citizens were provided with free medical services.
The social welfare department also presented gift to all the senior citizens present at the programme.
Earlier, Asangla Jamir, Assistant Director compered the event while Tosheli Zhimomi, Director Social Welfare delivered welcome address. Manngam & Konang enthralled the gathering with a special song. Nokcharenla Longchar, Additional Director proposed vote of thanks.
1,39,494 elder population in Nagaland
Martha R Ritse, Commissioner & Secretary, Social Welfare said “This year, we celebrate the UN International Day of Older Persons on the theme, "The Resilience and Contributions of Older Women" to celebrate the life of well-deserved older women who have greatly contributed to the society, withstanding the challenging environment with resilience and defying the odds. The past three years of the COVID-19 pandemic has made us aware of the socio-economic, environmental, health and climate related impacts on the lives of older persons, particularly the older women who constitute the majority of older persons.”
The theme serves as a reminder of the significant role older women play in traversing global challenges and contributing to their solutions with resilience and fortitude, she said.
In Nagaland, at present, as per 2011 census, the elderly population stands at 1,39,494, or roughly around 7 percent of the total population of the state.
Assuming that this proportion remains constant over the next 15 years, the Nagaland Vision 2030 stated that, the number of old age people will increase to approximately 2.23 lakh by 2030.
“This implies the increase in life expectancy of older people making it more important for us to have support systems in place. In this regard, the Department of Social Welfare has social security benefits in place for the aged and the vulnerable and these are provided through various National Social Assistance programs,” Ritse said.
“We know, Naga society regards the presence of older people as a sign of blessing; with old age being synonymous with qualities like wisdom, knowledge and maturity. They hold a special place of respect and honour and I hope that we continue to uphold these values for many generations to come,” Ritse said.
Recognizing the vital contributions of older women and promoting the inclusion of their voices, perspectives and needs are critical to creating meaningful policies to enhance a holistic response to local, national, and global challenges and catastrophes, she said.
Nagaland, in its current state does see women in a variety of occupations and professions that have been instrumental in bringing about many changes in our society, the commissioner and secretary added.
In acceptance speech, 89 years Prof Talitsuba Alinger said, “I am indeed humbled to receive this award. I am aware of the fact there would be many Naga senior citizens today who have lived their lives for the cause of our people all throughout their lives, making great contributions in different areas bringing great transformation into our land. I, therefore receive this honour representing all my peers,
He made a sincere appeal to all Naga senior citizens that “We are always grateful to God for having been given such a long span of life, when many of our own senior citizen friends are no more with us today. During the remaining short span of life, let us strive to live for the cause of our people. Let us all make a most determined decision today for us to be spent for our people, encouraging exhorting and guiding them with lessons learnt in our lives.”
Dr. Joyce Zinyu Angami also expressed gratitude to the Department of Social Welfare for recognizing her work by bestowing the award on her. She said that it was her passion and her calling to work for society, especially the marginalized and chemical abused people of the society.
