Senior members and recently retired government officials were honoured in Pasighat on World Senior Citizens’ Day on Friday, as two organisations organised programmes to recognise the contributions, experience and role of elderly people in society. The East Siang district unit of the Arunachal Pradesh Service Pensioners Association (APSPA) honoured its senior members and recently retired officials from different government departments with traditional attire and mementos during a programme held at a resort in Pasighat. The programme recognised retired officials from the civil administration, Health, Forest and Education Departments. The celebration began with a floral tribute to the portrait of former United States President Ronald Reagan, who initiated the global observance to recognise and honour senior citizens.
Addressing the gathering, APSPA president and retired elementary education director Bodong Yirang said pensioners continued to contribute to society even after retiring from government service. “Still serving the society out of the government offices and showing the right path to younger generations,” Yirang said while highlighting the role and experience of senior citizens. He also spoke about the association’s social initiatives and said APSPA had adopted three primary schools in East Siang district. The association has undertaken several steps to improve infrastructure and strengthen teaching and learning facilities in the adopted schools. APSPA general secretary Dr Onik Moyong said World Senior Citizens’ Day is observed to honour the achievements and contributions of elderly people. He added that the association has also been taking up issues concerning its members with the authorities.
Other speakers included retired director of research Batem Pertin, retired joint director of health services Dr T Tali, retired ADC Obang Dai, Tarik Mize and Bompang Tayeng. The pensioners’ association also held a meeting during the programme and reviewed its activities over the past year.Among its major initiatives were the renovation of school buildings at the adopted primary schools in Langko, Sika-Tode and Tekang. The association also renovated an abandoned teachers’ barrack at Sika-Tode, extended classrooms at Langko and Sika-Tode primary schools, and constructed a midday meal shed at Tekang. In addition, APSPA supplied almirahs and learning materials to the adopted schools as part of its efforts to support education in the district. The members unanimously resolved to continue their social welfare activities with the support of newly enrolled members. A musical presentation by veteran Adi artist Boken Panggeng was among the special attractions of the programme.
Meanwhile, Ayi: Ke Ekum, an NGO established in May 2023, also celebrated World Senior Citizens’ Day at the auditorium of IGJ Government Higher Secondary School in Pasighat. The programme focused on recognising the dignity, wisdom and contribution of senior citizens while also highlighting the importance of companionship and social interaction in old age. Welcoming the gathering, Tigul Megu explained the vision behind Ayi: Ke Ekum, which provides a platform for senior citizens above the age of 70 to spend time together, share their experiences and overcome loneliness. “Wisdom comes with age and experience,” she said, adding that the stories, values and life experiences of elders play an important role in guiding younger generations. Senior citizens also presented Ka:do Ponnung, an age-old cultural song, adding a traditional element to the celebration.Pasighat East MLA Tapi Darang, who attended the programme, appreciated the initiative taken by Ayi: Ke Ekum and its members in creating a welcoming space for elderly people.
He said loneliness was one of the major challenges faced by many senior citizens and stressed that society had a collective responsibility to ensure that elderly people live their later years with happiness, dignity and companionship.Darang also presented gifts to senior citizens who recorded the highest attendance at the centre.ICDS Deputy Director MT Padung commended the founders and members of Ayi: Ke Ekum for the initiative and underlined the importance of senior citizens in society.“When the roots are strong, the branches flourish,” she said, urging elderly people to share their knowledge, experiences and values with younger generations.She described senior citizens as pillars of society and said old age should be valued as a stage of life enriched by experience and the opportunity to witness generations of family and social change. The programmes in Pasighat brought together retired government officials, pensioners, senior citizens and community members to recognise the continued contribution of elderly people and reaffirm the importance of ensuring their dignity, care and participation in society.
