New Delhi: The President of India, Droupadi Murmu, today graced the event ‘Ageing with Dignity – Initiatives for the Welfare of Senior Citizens’ at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre. Organized by the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, the event marked the launch of several transformative initiatives for elderly welfare, reinforcing the government’s commitment to inclusive and respectful ageing.
In a significant step toward digital empowerment of the elderly, the President launched the Senior Citizen Welfare Portal, a comprehensive digital platform offering seamless access to government schemes, healthcare benefits, and welfare services. The portal aims to bridge the information gap and promote digital inclusion, enabling senior citizens to lead more informed, independent, and fulfilling lives.
Addressing the gathering, Union Minister Dr. Virendra Kumar emphasized that the government’s policies are deeply rooted in values of empathy and respect for the elderly. He highlighted that the new initiatives—including the virtual inauguration of senior citizen homes and the distribution of aids and assistive devices—reflect a holistic approach to active and dignified ageing.
The event witnessed the virtual inauguration of five senior citizen homes in Tawang (Arunachal Pradesh), Wokha (Nagaland), Vellore (Tamil Nadu), Anakapalli (Andhra Pradesh), and Nainital (Uttarakhand). These homes, supported under the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens (MWPSC) Act, are designed to provide safe, caring, and inclusive environments for indigent elderly citizens.
A highlight of the event was the interaction between the President and ‘Unsung Heroes’—senior citizens who have made exceptional contributions to society in fields such as education, social reform, literature, and community service. Several Padma Awardees were among them, their stories serving as powerful reminders of the quiet strength and wisdom of India’s elderly.
To promote intergenerational bonding, a pledge ceremony involving students, officials, and other guests was conducted, symbolizing the nation’s shared responsibility toward the wellbeing of its senior citizens.
The event also featured the signing of an MoU between the Ministry and the Brahma Kumaris organization, focused on mental health, mindfulness, and spiritual wellness. This partnership aims to foster inner peace and emotional balance among both older and younger generations through community engagement and value-based programs.
Another impactful moment was the distribution of Aids and Assistive Devices under the Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana (RVY). The President personally handed over assistive items to eligible elderly beneficiaries, underlining the government’s commitment to addressing their mobility and health needs.
The presence of Ministers of State Dr. Ramdas Athawale and B.L. Verma, along with school children, spiritual leaders, and social organisations, enriched the occasion with diverse perspectives on ageing, respect, and community values.
The ‘Ageing with Dignity’ event underscored the Government of India’s comprehensive approach to senior citizen welfare—blending digital innovation, healthcare, emotional support, and cultural respect. As India prepares for a future with a growing elderly population, today’s initiatives reaffirm the vision of an inclusive society where every senior citizen lives with dignity, care, and active participation.
