New Delhi: The President of India, Ram Nath Kovind presented the “Vayoshreshtha Samman-2019” to the eminent senior citizens and institutions in recognition of their services towards the cause of the elderly persons to mark ‘International Day of older Persons’ at a function organized by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Thaawarchand Gehlot presided over the function. Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Krishan Pal Gurjar and Secretary, M/o SJ and E Neelam Sawhney were also present.
Addressing on the occasion, the President said that our youth should understand that the older persons and senior citizens are our asset and accord them their due respect. He called upon people to adopt the ideals of Joint family culture and to create an atmosphere of togetherness under the guidance of older family members. He congratulated the Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment and officers of the Ministry for such a valuable awards for older persons, senior citizens and institutions working towards the cause of elderly persons. He said that Aayushman Bharat and many savings schemes of the government are very beneficial and helpful to the older persons and senior citizens.
In his address, Thaawarchand Gehlot said that the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment felicitates senior citizens and older persons by conferring ‘Vayoshreshtha Samman’ every year on the eminent senior citizens and institutions in many categories in recognition of their services towards the cause of the elderly persons.
Vayoshreshtha Samman is a Scheme of awards instituted by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment and gradually upgraded to the status of National Awards, for institutions involved in rendering distinguished service for the cause of elderly persons especially indigent senior citizens and to eminent citizens in recognition of their service/achievements. These awards are presented as part of the celebration of the International Day of Older Persons which is celebrated every year on 1st October. The awards are intended to be conferred on eminent senior citizens and institutions involved in rendering distinguished services for the cause of elderly persons especially indigent senior citizens. The recipients are drawn from diverse fields. The Awards are given to institutions/organisations/individuals from any part of the country. Nominations are invited from Governmental and Non-Governmental Agencies.
