President of India Presents Vayoshreshtha Samman-2015

The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee presented the National Awards for Senior Citizens – Vayoshreshtha Samman -2015 at a function held in New Delhi today (October 1, 2015) on the occasion of International Day of Older Persons.

Speaking on the occasion, the President said that the International Day of Older Persons is an occasion to focus renewed attention on issues relating to the older people. There is a need to sensitize various strata of the society towards the challenges being faced by the elderly people. It is important that institutions to provide geriatric care be established, strengthened and made more affordable for the common man.

The President said that facilities to provide institutional care to needy elderly persons must be established in sufficient numbers. A robust legal framework implemented with vigour would help ensure the safety, security and well-being of older persons in our country. The senior citizens too can play an important role in making their own lives fruitful and in enriching the society in which they live. By sharing their experience and wisdom, senior citizens can contribute towards the betterment of the society in no small measure.

This release issued at 1350 hrs