Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment successfully concludes Grand Finale ‘SAMAGAM’, showcasing month-long Initiatives for Senior Citizens

The Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE) successfully hosted the Grand Finale ‘SAMAGAM’ today in New Delhi. The event marked the culmination of a comprehensive series of month-long activities and initiatives aimed at enhancing the dignity, respect, and security of senior citizens across the country. On this occasion, a short movie was also played encompassing all the month-long activities taken during the celebration of International Day of Older Persons, 2024. The event was graced by distinguished dignitaries, including Union Ministers of State (SJE), Shri Ramdas Athawale and Shri B. L. Verma. Other dignitaries gracing the occasion included Dr. Vinod Kumar Paul, Member NITI Aayog, whose presence underscored the Government’s continued commitment to senior citizens' welfare.     Shri Ramdas Athawale addressed the gathering with a focus on the economic and social empowerment of senior citizens. He applauded the Ministry’s efforts to bridge the gap between government policies and on-ground implementation, particularly through direct engagement with elderly communities in rural and urban areas. He reiterated the importance of schemes that provide financial security and healthcare, emphasizing that a Nation can only progress when the elderly are cared for and valued. In his keynote address, Shri B.L. Verma emphasized the critical role senior citizens play in shaping the Nation’s values and heritage. He reaffirmed the Government's mission under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi is to create an inclusive society, where senior citizens are not only supported but celebrated. The Minister also highlighted key achievements over the past month, including increased outreach through health camps, pension schemes, skill development programmes for elderly workers, and awareness campaigns aimed at fostering intergenerational solidarity. The Minister praised the collaboration between various Ministries, Departments, and stakeholders, which made the month-long celebration a resounding success.   Dr. Vinod Kumar Paul highlighted the need for continuous innovation in policy design and service delivery to meet the growing needs of India’s ageing population. He spoke about the Government’s future plans, including expanding digital literacy programmes tailored for senior citizens, enhancing access to geriatric healthcare services, and creating more age-friendly public spaces. His address also touched on the importance of mental health services and the need to combat loneliness and isolation among the elderly. A wide range of activities were organized during the month of October, as a part of celebration of International Day of Older Persons.     The Grand Finale ‘SAMAGAM’ is not just a conclusion of a series of events, but a reaffirmation of Government’s commitment to senior citizens’ well-being and focused on ensuring that the elderly in the country lead lives filled with dignity, security, and happiness. The Ministry expressed gratitude to everyone who contributed to the success of the month-long celebrations and the Grand Finale. The Vote of Thanks was delivered by the Joint Secretary (MoSJE), Ms. Monali Dhakate, who acknowledged the collaborative efforts that brought these impactful initiatives to life. The Ministry reaffirmed its future objectives, focusing on areas such as enhancing access to healthcare, providing financial support, increasing digital literacy among seniors, and fostering greater societal awareness and sensitivity toward the elderly. The Ministry also encouraged citizens, especially the younger generation, to actively engage in efforts to support and care for senior citizens. The successful conclusion of ‘SAMAGAM’ signals the beginning of a long-term vision where the government, along with the public, continues to work toward building a society that ensures the well-being of every senior citizen in India. ***** VM The Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE) successfully hosted the Grand Finale ‘SAMAGAM’ today in New Delhi. The event marked the culmination of a comprehensive series of month-long activities and initiatives aimed at enhancing the dignity, respect, and security of senior citizens across the country. On this occasion, a short movie was also played encompassing all the month-long activities taken during the celebration of International Day of Older Persons, 2024. The event was graced by distinguished dignitaries, including Union Ministers of State (SJE), Shri Ramdas Athawale and Shri B. L. Verma. Other dignitaries gracing the occasion included Dr. Vinod Kumar Paul, Member NITI Aayog, whose presence underscored the Government’s continued commitment to senior citizens' welfare.     Shri Ramdas Athawale addressed the gathering with a focus on the economic and social empowerment of senior citizens. He applauded the Ministry’s efforts to bridge the gap between government policies and on-ground implementation, particularly through direct engagement with elderly communities in rural and urban areas. He reiterated the importance of schemes that provide financial security and healthcare, emphasizing that a Nation can only progress when the elderly are cared for and valued. In his keynote address, Shri B.L. Verma emphasized the critical role senior citizens play in shaping the Nation’s values and heritage. He reaffirmed the Government's mission under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi is to create an inclusive society, where senior citizens are not only supported but celebrated. The Minister also highlighted key achievements over the past month, including increased outreach through health camps, pension schemes, skill development programmes for elderly workers, and awareness campaigns aimed at fostering intergenerational solidarity. The Minister praised the collaboration between various Ministries, Departments, and stakeholders, which made the month-long celebration a resounding success.   Dr. Vinod Kumar Paul highlighted the need for continuous innovation in policy design and service delivery to meet the growing needs of India’s ageing population. He spoke about the Government’s future plans, including expanding digital literacy programmes tailored for senior citizens, enhancing access to geriatric healthcare services, and creating more age-friendly public spaces. His address also touched on the importance of mental health services and the need to combat loneliness and isolation among the elderly. A wide range of activities were organized during the month of October, as a part of celebration of International Day of Older Persons.     The Grand Finale ‘SAMAGAM’ is not just a conclusion of a series of events, but a reaffirmation of Government’s commitment to senior citizens’ well-being and focused on ensuring that the elderly in the country lead lives filled with dignity, security, and happiness. The Ministry expressed gratitude to everyone who contributed to the success of the month-long celebrations and the Grand Finale. The Vote of Thanks was delivered by the Joint Secretary (MoSJE), Ms. Monali Dhakate, who acknowledged the collaborative efforts that brought these impactful initiatives to life. The Ministry reaffirmed its future objectives, focusing on areas such as enhancing access to healthcare, providing financial support, increasing digital literacy among seniors, and fostering greater societal awareness and sensitivity toward the elderly. The Ministry also encouraged citizens, especially the younger generation, to actively engage in efforts to support and care for senior citizens. The successful conclusion of ‘SAMAGAM’ signals the beginning of a long-term vision where the government, along with the public, continues to work toward building a society that ensures the well-being of every senior citizen in India. ***** VM