International Day of older persons celebrated in Leh
The International Day of Older Persons was celebrated with enthusiasm at Zimskhang Old Age Home, Leh, with the event organised by the District Social Welfare Office, Leh, in collaboration with the Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre (MIMC), Leh, and the Medical Department, Leh.
The programme commenced with the National Song followed by the National Anthem. The event was graced by Venerable Bhikkhu Sanghasena, Founder of the Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre (MIMC), Leh; Dr. Zahida Banoo, Director, Social and Tribal Welfare, UT Ladakh; and Dr. Rinchen Chosdol, Chief Medical Officer, Leh, besides other dignitaries, officials, students, staff and elderly persons.
Welcoming the gathering, District Social Welfare Officer, Leh, Nilza Angmo, extended a warm welcome to all the dignitaries, participants and older persons and presented traditional khataks to the dignitaries. She highlighted the significance of the International Day of Older Persons and said that the day is dedicated to recognising and honouring the contributions, dignity and well-being of older persons.
She informed that the old age home Zimskhang Old Age has been established to provide care and support to older persons and that this was the first time that the International Day of Older Persons was being celebrated at the old age home. She further informed that the Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre and the Social Welfare Department have signed an MoU for the building. She said that the combined efforts and support of the Mahabodhi Centre and the Government have made the initiative successful and would contribute towards the welfare and well-being of older persons. She reiterated that the occasion was dedicated to the older persons.
The celebration was enlivened by colourful cultural performances presented by the Ladakh Academic, Art and Culture group, featuring traditional dances and songs. Students from the Mahabodhi Centre also presented cultural performances and offered flowers and khataks as expressions of love, respect and joy in celebrating the occasion with the elderly persons. The older persons also actively participated in the dance performances, making the celebration more joyful and memorable.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Rinchen Chosdol, Chief Medical Officer, Leh, congratulated the older persons and said that the day was dedicated to them. She expressed her gratitude to Venerable Bhikkhu Sanghasena for establishing the old age home at the Mahabodhi Centre and noted that the Government is also extending necessary facilities and support.
She said that older persons may sometimes face difficulties at home due to lack of adequate support and assistance, while the old age home provides them with good facilities and an environment where they can live a comfortable and joyful life. She highlighted that the Mahabodhi Old Age Centre focuses not only on providing a place to stay but also on ensuring physical well-being and emotional support for the elderly.
Venerable Bhikkhu Sanghasena, Founder of MIMC Leh, welcomed all the dignitaries and participants and highlighted the importance of the International Day of Older Persons, which is celebrated across the world. He said that the Mahabodhi Old Age Centre has been observing the day and that this was the first time the celebration was being organised at Zimskhang Old Age home in this manner. He also informed that the Mahabodhi Centre celebrates the occasion over two days.