“Young generation must come forward to nurture the physical, mental and emotional well-being of the senior citizens,” said Dr Satbir Singh Gosal, Vice-Chancellor, PAU, while speaking at the celebration of the International Day of Older Persons. The Senior Citizens’ Welfare Association (SCWA), Ludhiana had organized the programme to celebrate the massive contributions of the senior citizens to the country, state, city and their families. Dr Gosal appealed to the youths and middle-aged people to prioritize geriatric care in the wake of rise in health concerns. Bemoaning the growing trend for nuclear families due to increasing number of domestic conflicts, PAU VC observed: “The responsibility of the parents starts right from the day one when the child is born. In return, younger generation must devote time to the special care of septuagenarians and octogenarians in their families.”
Dr DR Bhatti, Former DGP of Punjab, said: “Senior citizens are left alone when their children run away to foreign lands by selling a piece of ancestral land. Youths must remain in touch with their families who have worked hard day and night to groom them or make proper arrangements for the care and security of the old people.”
Sh SP Karkara, Life Patron SCWA and Chairman of FEDSEN Punjab, while speaking on bridging the generation gap, cited some important issues concerning senior citizens, who are left at the mercy of their materialistic and least caring wards. “Old people, who toil for their whole life and keep their savings for the rainy days, are left penniless when their children fall into the trap of drugs or run abroad against their parents’ wishes or shunt them out of the house,” he observed. “Youths, whether unemployed or shirkers, want easy money to fulfil their dreams,” he said, while adding that senior citizens must keep a check on youths and maintain discipline in their families.
Dr TS Riar, Additional Director Communication, delivered a keynote address on the “Role of Senior Citizens in Maintaining Harmony in Family and Society.” Stating that the Punjab was passing through critical times in view of rising drug addiction, he appealed for curbing this menace which has destroyed many families. “After marriages, the spilt in the families for ancestral properties is a serious concern,” he observed, while stressing upon the senior citizens to have hold over their families by keeping a tab on youngsters’ bad habits and maintaining domestic harmony.
Er Balbir Singh, Chairman of SCWA and Mrs Neelam Khosla, President of SCWA, highlighted the significance of the day and present a motivational song, respectively.
Later, Dr YR Chanana and Er RS Behal, Vice-President of SCWA, proposed a vote of thanks.
Dr SS Gill, Former Director of Extension Education, called upon the youths to respect their elders and be an ardent follower of moral values and ethics.
Read more: https://www.pau.edu/index.php?_act=manageEvent&DO=viewEventDetail&dataE=datae&intID=8111
