|
The Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment Smt. Meira Kumar has called for an attitudinal change in the mindset of the people towards the marginalised sections including the older persons. Referring to the model legislation that her Ministry is working upon for taking care of older persons by their wards and provision of maintenance, health care and security to them, Smt. Kumar said, "you don’t legislate on attitudes". She laid stress upon the fact that the legislation is to bridge the gap between generations and not meant to create distrust or suspicion among them.
Smt. Meira Kumar was speaking after giving away Vayoshreshta Awards to felicitate eminent older persons for their excellent work in various fields on the occasion of International Day of Older Persons, here this evening. The awardees include: Centenarian and freedom fighter Smt. Satyavati (mother of former Vice President, late Shri Krishna Kant) for still living an active life, 79 years old Jnanpith and Magasaysay Awards and Padma Shri, Smt. Mahasweta Devi for her contributions to creative art, social worker and founding member of Indian SOS Children’s Villages Association, Shri J.N. Kaul for courage and bravery, 80-year old, Smt. Hansa Devi Pal (Mother of famous mountaineer Bachendri Pal) for best mother, 84 year-old social worker Shri N.L. Kumar for his pioneering contribution to Old Age Care, and to two organiszations viz. Community Aid and Sponsorship Programme (CASP) and VISHRANTI for institution of knowledge and institution of service respectively. The Minister came down from the dais and went to Smt. Satyavati to honour her with the Samman. The award of Smt. Mahasweta Devi was received by her grandson. Each Vayoshreshtha Samman carries a Momento, a plaque and a shawl.
Smt. Meira Kumar said that the world has been witnessing major demographic transition that marks the graying of the world. She said, our country has 7.6 crore elderly of whom around 78% live in rural areas. The Minister said that they as well as the marginalised sections have to be made active partners in progress. Shri said, "a globalization that does not build a stake in it for the most deprived and marginalised sections of the society including the elderly cannot hope to be sustainable in the long run".
Delivering the keynote address, the former Chief Justice of Himachal Pradesh, Justice Leila Seth said that the proposed model legislations should be made applicable to all citizens irrespective of religion.
Smt. Meira Kumar released two sets of posters on the theme "All Ages One Spirit" on the occasion.
MLD/NSR/SJE-57(awards older persons)Oct 1
|
