NEW DELHI: On the International Day of Older Persons Monday, nearly 2,500 senior citizens participated in a walkathon in the capital, flagged off by the minister of Social Justice and Empowerment Meira Kumar.
Besides the elderly, school children participated in the walkathon as well, which started at Rafi Marg, went through Rajpath and towards India Gate, finally culminating at Mansingh road in New Delhi.
The total distance covered was approximately two kilometres.
Speaking on the occasion, Kumar said that the government was concerned about the welfare and security of older persons and that it was everyone's duty to extend all possible help to them.
"The government will soon bring effective legislation to provide care, maintenance and protection of parents and senior citizens. The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has already set up the National Council for Older Persons (NCOP) to advise and aid the government on policies and programmes on older persons.
"The ministry also has set up an inter-ministerial committee with the aim of effective implementation of the NCOP," Kumar said.
Emphasising the need to sensitise the society at large about the problems and needs of older persons, Kumar also stated that the cooperation of NGOs and public, especially the youth, was required to create an environment where older persons get respect, care and due affection.
"There is need to inculcate the feeling of respect and care for older persons in the minds of young generations," she added.
Oct 1 is celebrated as the International Day of Older Persons across the world. The idea behind the celebrations is to recognise the services rendered by senior citizens and to reiterate governments' commitment towards the cause of the elderly.
