Bhubaneswar: On the occasion of International Day of Older Persons, an Intergenerational Walkathon was organized today by Dept. of SSEPD in collaboration with HelpAge India. Senior Citizens and Students walked from Master Canteen to Ram Mandir spreading awareness on issues of Senior Citizens. The participants of the Walkathon called upon all to be sensitive towards Senior Citizens.
The day was marked by the gathering of above 500 senior citizens at the Public Meeting to observe the Day. Odisha State Bayojyestha Awards were conferred by Dept. of SSEPD.
Speaking on the occasion, Sri Prafulla Samal, Minister, WCD & Mission Shakti, SSEPD, MSME
congratulated all the awardees for working wholeheartedly towards the betterment & welfare of
Senior Citizens in the State. He reiterated state’s commitment for the cause of senior citizens. He
also discussed about the Anand Wellness Center for senior citizens, which is set up at Nayapalli and
being run by HelpAge India. He mentioned that more such Anand centres shall be opened at
different places. Talking on Universal Old Age Pension, Minister Sri Samal said that that Odisha is
reaching out to the highest number of beneficiaries in the country. The revision of old age pension
is under active consideration by Govt. of Odisha.
Sri Niten Chandra, Principal Secretary, SSEPD Department highlighted the various activities
undertaken by the department for the senior citizens in the state. He spoke about highest and
universal coverage under Old Age Pension Scheme. State Bayojyestha Awards were conferred to 9
individuals and organisations. Sri Laxmidhar Behera from Balasore was given lifetime award for
social work among others. While, Sri Susanta Mohapatra, Director, SSEPD Department gave the
opening address and spoke on the importance of the day Sri Subash Chandra Sadangi, Deputy
Secretary proposed Vote of thanks.
Spiritual talk, Music programme and Hasyakabi Sammelan were organized for the
entertainment of senior citizens.
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