NewsKarnataka – Mangalore
Mangalore: Several senior citizens confidently and boldly walked the ramp at the “Seniors to Walk the Ramp” a programme organised at the Town Hall in Mangalore on January 20, Monday by UXCEL – Empowering Personalities, in association with Vishwas Trust and Indira Hospital. The objective of the programme was to encourage senior citizens of the society.
Prof. Phyllis D’Costa, organizer of the event and the Director of UXCEL, welcomed the gathering on the occasion.
Dr Olinda Pereira, Ex-Founder Principal of School of Social Work, Roshni Nilaya Mangalore and president of Vishwas Trust was the Chief Guest for the event.
In her presidential address Dr Olinda Pereira said, “Let us prepare people for old age, it is the responsibility of the youth of the society to uplift the senior citizens because they in turn set the path of our growth as a being. We must endure and remember the importance of one and another and live with peace and harmony.”
Dr Olinda Pereira congratulated Prof Phyllis D’Costa and quoting a famous American author she concluded saying, “We must not drag the days of our old age rather live each day of our life to the fullest.”
KP Vasudeva Rao, a senior advocate appreciated the energy and enthusiasm of the senior citizens. Addressing the concerns of the old populace he said, “Security for senior citizens is the major constraint in the present scenario. The elders need to be aware of the facilities that have been provided by the government for their betterment.”
“India has already outlined a Parents and Senior Citizens Bill in the year 1973, which was redrafted in the year 2007. Accordingly the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior citizen Act 2007 has provisions for maintenance and also looks after the welfare of parents and senior citizens”, he added.
KP Vasudeva Rao stated that in case of any problematic situation or legal disputes one can approach the mediation centers rather than approaching the court, while if there are concerns elders can also loom into the senior citizens cell and put forth the complaints.
He further said that better security, shelters, health facilities, reading rooms are some of the provisions the government provides for the elders in the society and they must make use of it.
More than 150 senior citizens walked the ramp and showcased their confidence in the presence of a large number of audience who cheered the elders. The eldest participant was a senior citizen aged 92 whereas 65-year-old Juliet Mascarenhas gave a ‘Jive’ performance and wooed the crowd with her moves.
All the senior citizens were felicitated for their gregarious attitude and their zeal.
