BHUBANESWAR: An intergenerational walkathon was organised Monday by the Department of Social Security and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (SSEPD) in cooperation with HelpAge India on the occasion of the International Day of Older Persons.
Senior citizens and students walked from Master Canteen to Ram Mandir to raise social awareness on issues concerning senior citizens. The day also saw a gathering of around 500 senior citizens at a public meeting to observe the event.
The function was attended by SSEPD Minister Prafulla Samal, SSEPD Principal Secretary Niten Chandra, SSEPD Director Sushanta Mahapatra and SSEPD Deputy Secretary Subash Chandra Sadangi. The Odisha State Bayojyestha Awards were also conferred by SSEPD.
The award was given to nine individuals and organisations. Laxmidhar Behera of Balasore was given the lifetime award for social work.
SSEPD Director Niten Chandra gave an introductory speech about the importance of the day. He highlighted the activities of the department for senior citizens, including universal coverage under the old age pension scheme.
SSEPD Minister Prafulla Samal congratulated the awardees for working for senior citizens, and reiterated the state’s commitment to senior citizens.
He also spoke about the Anand Wellness Centre for senior citizens at Nayapalli which is being run by HelpAge India. He said more such centres would be opened in different cities. Talks on spiritual matters, music programmes and a Hasyakabi Sammelan were organised to entertain senior citizens.
On universal old age pension, the minister said that Odisha is reaching out to the highest number of beneficiaries, and an increase of the pension amount is under the consideration of the government.
SSEPD Deputy Secretary Subash Chandra Sadangi proposed the vote of thanks.