President Droupadi Murmu Highlights Importance of Senior Citizens at ‘Aging and Dignity’ Event, Urges Nation to Value Their Wisdom
President Droupadi Murmu Urges Citizens to Learn from Senior Citizens at ‘Aging and Dignity’ Event
President Droupadi Murmu hosted the ‘Aging and Dignity’ event at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Friday, celebrating the wisdom and invaluable contributions of India’s senior citizens. Addressing the gathering, the President emphasized the importance of elderly citizens in society, describing them as a vital link to our past and guides to our future. She called upon every citizen to remain committed to the welfare of senior citizens and to learn from their deep reservoir of experience. Highlighting the values they represent, President Murmu said, “Our senior citizens represent wisdom, prudence, and tradition. We must ensure that their dignity and health are a shared duty.”
During her speech, President Murmu highlighted the pivotal role senior citizens play as the emotional and cultural backbone of Indian society. She stressed that their wisdom and life experiences are essential in guiding younger generations and strengthening the societal fabric. Recognising their value, she urged the nation to take collective responsibility in ensuring the dignity, happiness, and well-being of the elderly population. She also noted that senior citizens are emotional pillars in their families and that their happiness directly contributes to their physical and mental well-being.
Before the commencement of the main programme, President Murmu interacted with five senior citizens, who shared their life stories and experiences. Their narratives of resilience and unity deeply moved the audience. President Murmu praised these individuals for fostering social harmony through their lived experiences and perspectives, and underscored the importance of such exchanges in building a more inclusive and empathetic society.
In her remarks, President Murmu referenced India’s longstanding cultural values that advocate respect for elders. She said, “Respect for parents and elders is there in our traditions. In many households, children are happiest with their grandparents. Often, what children won’t accept from their parents, they gladly accept when told by a grandparent.” This, she noted, is a testament to the emotional bond and trust that exists between grandparents and grandchildren, reinforcing the need to preserve and nurture these relationships in modern households.
The President also acknowledged and appreciated the initiatives undertaken by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE) to uplift the lives of senior citizens. In particular, she lauded the launch of a dedicated digital portal designed as a “one-stop platform” to support the various needs of the elderly. She emphasized the importance of digital inclusion for senior citizens, enabling them to access benefits and information with ease and dignity.
Droupadi Murmu reiterated the government’s commitment to senior citizens by highlighting schemes like the Ayushman Bharat-PM Jan Arogya Yojana. This initiative provides healthcare coverage of up to Rs 5 lakh annually for citizens aged 70 and above, ensuring their health remains a national priority. She remarked, “The health of our elderly is essential for guiding families and society.”
However, President Murmu also voiced concern over the challenges that modernisation and rapid economic development pose to the elderly. She pointed out that with increasing job-related migration, many senior citizens are left behind in emotional isolation, even when they live with their children. “Sometimes, even when parents live with their children, they don’t receive the affection and dignity they deserve. Sadly, some people even consider the elderly a burden,” she stated. This heartfelt acknowledgment served as a call to action for society to be more sensitive and proactive in caring for its aging population.
Concluding her address, President Murmu called senior citizens a “storehouse of knowledge” and said they have the capacity to guide not only their families but also play a crucial role in nation-building. “Our senior citizens can lead society and the country towards greater prosperity,” she said, reinforcing the message that honoring and empowering the elderly is integral to India’s progress.
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