CNN Central News & Network–ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: On the occasion of Senior Citizens Day, five centenarian elders, including Smt. Gaya Bai (102 years), Ram Kunwar Bai (113 years), Harilal Sahu (108 years), Tulsa Bai (103 years), and Kevat Bai (101 years), were honored with a shawl, a coconut, and a cash prize of ₹1000. The honor was presented by Sonali Ponshe Vyankankar, Principal Secretary, Department of Social Justice and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities.
Present at the event were Ramrao Bhonsle, Commissioner of Social Justice; Prabhakar Tiwari, CMO; Sanchiti Khare, Head of HelpAge India, Madhya Pradesh; Sunita Tomar, Superintendent of Government Homeopathic College and Hospital; officials from Central Bank; and SS Saxena, President of Senior Citizen Forum. Also attending were office bearers from various social organizations and distinguished citizens.
Principal Secretary Sonali Ponshe Vyankankar, in her speech, emphasized that the department is responsible for the care and health of senior citizens, ensuring they receive all the benefits provided by the government. A homeopathy kit was also distributed to the elders.
Commissioner Ramrao Bhonsle mentioned that while ashrams may not be necessary for senior citizens, some families lack members to care for the elderly, and therefore, a fully-equipped government ashram will soon be established. Sanchiti Khare delivered an insightful speech on elderly care and provided detailed information about the Senior Citizen Helpline.
The program included musical and cultural performances by the senior citizens. It was anchored by Purva Rai, and the vote of thanks was given by RK Singh, Joint Director of Social Justice.
