New Delhi, Nov 4 Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Virendra Kumar on Wednesday launched the ‘Vayo Samman Rashtriya Abhiyan’, a national campaign to strengthen intergenerational bonding, urging citizens to ensure that no elderly person in their homes or neighbourhoods is left alone during Deepavali.
Launched under the Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana (AVYAY), the campaign seeks to strengthen intergenerational solidarity and promote a society that recognises and values the experience, wisdom and contributions of senior citizens, a ministry statement said.
Describing the initiative as an “anubhav aur urja ka sangam” (the confluence of experience and energy), Kumar said, “The youth will connect our elders to the digital world and our elders will give the youth the values of life.”
Giving a special message ahead of Deepavali, he urged citizens to ensure that no elderly person in their homes or neighbourhoods is left alone and that one diya is lit in their honour.
The minister highlighted that the campaign would reach every village and mohalla through panchayats, local bodies and educational institutions.
Kumar highlighted that India’s population aged 60 years and above is projected to increase from approximately 10 crore in 2011 to 23 crore by 2036.
He observed that urbanisation, migration and changing family structures have reduced regular interaction between generations, resulting in challenges such as loneliness, limited awareness of welfare schemes and vulnerability to cyber fraud among senior citizens.
The campaign is based on the ‘5C’ model of Connect, Converse, Co-create, Contribute and Continue, which seeks to establish sustained engagement between generations through community participation.
The minister administered the Vayo Samman Pledge to those present, encouraging collective commitment towards ensuring the dignity, care, respect and social inclusion of senior citizens.
He also released a handbook detailing the campaign’s objectives, implementation strategy and roles of states, districts and community institutions.
A digitally enabled volunteer initiative, Vayo SAATHI (Support, Awareness, Assistance, Training, Health and Inclusion), was also launched to mobilise citizens aged 18 years and above in support of senior citizens.
Two memoranda of understanding were signed and exchanged with voluntary organisations Shri Ram Chandra Mission and Adhyatma Vigyan Satsang Kendra, Jodhpur, to promote the holistic well-being of senior citizens, besides encouraging intergenerational engagement through community-based activities.
(PTI News)
