Srinagar, Oct 29: Emphasising the need to respect, care for and stand by older persons, Vice Chancellor of Cluster University Srinagar, Prof. Mohammad Mobin called for greater sensitivity towards the elderly, observing that caring for them is a shared responsibility of families and society.
Addressing a programme organised at Government College for Women (GCW), MA Road, Srinagar, as Chief Guest, Prof. Mobin said older persons must not be left behind as society progresses. He reminded the audience that parents spend their most productive years raising their children, making sacrifices and building their futures. The time eventually comes when the younger generation must give back with the same love, patience and commitment, ensuring that their parents age with dignity, security and a sense of belonging.
Under the aegis of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India, the programme was organised by RRTC–Anugraha, Delhi, in collaboration with the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication, GCW MA Road with Moul Mouj Foundation supporting the broader awareness initiative.
Welcoming the participants, Principal of the host college, Prof. Yasmeen Farooq Khan said that issues concerning older persons were close to the institution’s heart. She observed that caring for elderly should be our priority, calling for greater compassion and understanding towards their needs.
A special highlight of the programme was a panel discussion moderated by Dr. Zubair Saleem, Senior Geriatric Consultant, which brought together legal, law-enforcement, social and administrative perspectives on ageing.
Mr. Kifayat Hussain Rizvi (IAS Retd.), former Commissioner/Secretary, J&K Government, brought the perspective of an experienced public servant, highlighting the need to ensure that retirement does not mean retirement from life.
Mr. Tahir Ashraf (JKPS), Senior Superintendent of Police, SIA, addressed the growing threat of cybercrime targeting older persons, particularly digital arrest scams and financial fraud. He highlighted the importance of digital awareness and the need for younger family members to help older persons navigate technology safely without compromising their independence.
Ms. Tabassum Qadir Parray, Secretary, District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Srinagar, spoke on the legal rights and protection available to senior citizens, including remedies for neglect, abandonment and abuse under the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007.
In her message, Ms. Aabha Chaudhary of RRTC–Anugraha reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to working for the welfare of older persons and spreading awareness about their social and legal rights.
The programme featured a skit by a team of college students which evoked emotional response from the audience, a solo song performance, screening of a short film, Wakathon and the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ plantation activity, promoting intergenerational bonding, respect and care for the elderly.
Winners of the essay-writing competition on issues concerning senior citizens were also announced. Certificates and cash prizes were distributed among the winners of the essay competition and the skit actors.
The programme also recognised the contributions of the college’s alumni, former principals and faculty members, felicitating them for their association with the institution. Senior citizens participating from various organisations, including the Central Government Pensioners Welfare Association (CGPWA), Kashmir and Ahata Waqar, were also felicitated.
Among those present were Registrar, Cluster University Srinagar, Prof. Wilayat Hussain Rizvi; Controller of Examinations, Prof. Khurshid Ahmad Mir; Dean, Sciences, Prof. Nighat Nasreen; Dean, Social Sciences, Dr. Javaid Ahmad Bhat; Prof. Masooda Yaseen; Mrs. Mandip Kaur; GM Dilshad, besides students, senior citizens and representatives of various organisations.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Head, Department of Journalism and Mass Communication, Dr. Suhail Ahmad.
