International Elders’ Day observed in a befitting manner at Chinmaya Mission; Elders honored by DGP, A&N Police

 

TMI Correspondent

Port Blair, Oct 01: International Elders’ Day was observed at Chinmaya Mission, Port Blair, on October 1, 2023. Thirteen senior citizens and super senior citizens were felicitated by Shri Devesh Chandra Srivastva (IPS), Director General of Police, Andaman & Nicobar Police, on this special day in a befitting manner.

Welcoming the chief guest, delegates from the mainland, and the gathering, Shri Manohar Singh, President of Chinmaya Vaniprasth Sansthan, informed that since 2008, Elders’ Day has been observed at Chinmaya Mission by honoring elders. In 2018, the Senior Citizen Center was established to provide a space where they could engage in activities like playing games, reading books and newspapers, socializing, and having discussions. It is medically proven that at this age, their physical requirements are minimal, and they primarily need someone to converse with. On some occasions, Chinmaya Mission also organizes picnics and tours to different historic places to promote their well-being. Health camps are conducted periodically to monitor the health of the elderly in this center.

Speaking on the occasion, Swami Shuddananda Saraswati (Guruji) of Chinmaya Mission emphasized that the purpose of observing this day is to educate the younger generation about the contributions of their elders. He reflected on the hardships faced by parents and grandparents in Andaman during the 1960s to 1970s, when they lacked basic facilities and struggled to raise their families. In contrast, today's generation faces challenges in caring for their elderly parents while raising their own children.

In today's competitive world, people are often too busy to spend time with their families and elders at home. Swami Shuddananda Saraswati stressed the importance of teaching the younger generation to value their elders and the role they play in imparting moral values. He reminded everyone that how we treat our parents today will influence how our children treat us in the future, underscoring the cyclical nature of life.

He also urged grandparents to adapt to the changing times, not interfere in the daily lives of their grown children, and find happiness in allowing them to make their own choices. However, he emphasized that it's essential to offer respect and love to our elders and pass on these values to the younger generations during the Pithrupaksh month, recognizing that children learn more by observing their parents and elders.

Elders bring a wealth of experience, while younger generations possess energy. Swami Shuddananda Saraswati encouraged them to work together to bring about positive changes in the country.

Meanwhile, Shri Devesh Chandra Srivastva (IPS), Director General of Police, Andaman & Nicobar Police, honored each senior and super senior citizen with a shawl, memento, and a flower. He expressed his gratitude to Chinmaya Mission and its committee members for promoting moral values in society and wished all the elders good health and a long life. He further suggested based up on his observation that the elders should not hand over their entire properties to your children while you're alive.

Highlighting the need for emotional and social security in addition to physical security for elders, he mentioned the initiative "WE CARE," launched by the A&N Police in Nicobar District. This program involves police personnel voluntarily fulfilling blood requirements and regularly meeting elderly people in coordination with NGOs, Administration, and doctors. The initiative may expand throughout the A&N Islands if successful.

Shri Raghunath, Joint Secretary, emphasized that the mission's purpose is to maximize happiness for maximum people for maximum time. Since 1978, Chinmaya Mission in A&N Islands has actively operated various wings, including Chinmaya Balvihar for children, Chinmaya Vaniprasth Sansthan for elders over 60 years old, Chinmaya Devi Vruth for women, and Chinmaya Yuva Kendra for youths. He extended a warm invitation to everyone to join the appropriate wings and concluded with a vote of thanks to the chief guest, all the elderly persons, and their family members for making the event a memorable one.