Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network- Mangalore (RS/SP)
Mangalore, Apr 12: A number senior citizens living in Kulshekar area in the city registered themselves for the senior citizens’ identity card scheme, at a programme organized at Kulshekar Church premises, by the Indian Catholic Youth Movement, Cordel unit, and Spandana Trust Jeppu, on Sunday April 11.
The registration programme was inaugurated by Fr Valerian Pinto, parish priest of Kulshekar Church, by way of handing over an application form to K Ramesh Rao, organizing secretary of the Taluk Senior Citizen’s Organization.
Speaking on the occasion, K Ramesh Rao said that the possession of an identity card is very essential for the senior citizens for availing of different facilities provided by the government, and also for seeking protection of the civil rights provided by the constitution for them. The identity cards give protection and help them to identify themselves in cases like reservations in buses, or any other places where proving their age is required, he added.
Chief guest of the programme, Rohini K, district information officer, said that giving respect to senior citizens has been a part of the Indian culture, but lamented that in the recent times, this principle been compromised. She therefore, felt that there is a need to create awareness in the society about the need to give respect to every senior citizen. “There is also a crying need to create awareness among the senior citizens about the rights, facilities etc., to which they are eligible through various laws, schemes etc.,” she felt.
“It is very important for the senior citizens to get identity cards. The identity cards enable them to fight for their rights, whenever they are violated,” she stressed.
Over 200 senior citizens enrolled their names for the identity cards at the said programme. The Senior Citizens Organization has said that the senior citizens residing in Mangalore taluk and Dakshina Kannada district may contact their office located near the PVS circle in the city, situated next to BJP office, with age proof and two colour photographs, for getting identity cards.