Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (HB/EP)
Udupi, Oct 1: “Those who neglect senior citizens do not deserve any respect in the society,” said MLA Raghupathi Bhat.
He was speaking after inaugurating the celebrations of senior citizens day at Ravindra Mantapa on Monday, October 1. The programme was held under the joint aegis of district administration, zilla panchayat, department of women and child development, differently abled, empowerment of senior citizens, district legal services authority, Udupi district advocates association, senior citizens' association, Udupi district Mahila mandalagala okkoota and old age homes in Udupi district.
“There are several laws for the protection of senior citizens. The government is providing several facilities. But elderly people expect only love and respect from their children. However children are seen neglecting senior citizens. It is the responsibility of children to look after their elders. There should be a situation where children who neglect the parents do not get respect in society,” he said.
“Senior citizens are getting admitted to old age homes. Old age homes are not the culture of Indians. There should be awareness about it in society. A day care and necessary arrangements will be made for senior citizens in Udupi municipal council. Separate help desk and counter will be opened for them in Udupi. All the necessary facilities of the council will be provided to them there,” he said. Hundred years old Koraga was felicitated on the occasion.
Winners in cultural and sports competitions were presented prizes. Free eye and health check-up camp was held for senior citizens. Senior citizens who registered for eye donations were given cards.
Zilla panchayat president Dinaker Babu, vice president Sheela K Shetty, taluk panchayat president Nalini Pradeep Rao, senior civil judge and district law services authority member secretary Latha, advocates association president Rathnaker Shetty, senior citizens federation president A P Kodancha, additional deputy commissioner Vidya Kumary, Zilla panchayat CEO Shivananda Kapashi, ASP Kumar Chandra, district Mahila Mandala Okkoota president Sarala Kanchan, Udupi senior citizen's association's C S Rao, Karkal senior citizens association's Ramakrishna, Byndoor senior citizen's association's Vasanth Hegde, senior citizen's law implementation committee's Laxmibai and others were present.