The Department of Social Justice & Empowerment, Government of India, organized a Cultural event “Aradhana” on 28.11.2025 at Bhim Hall of DIAC, Janpath, New Delhi for Senior Citizens to promote acting ageing and intergenerational bonding in continuation of series of celebration of Inter Day of Older Persons (IDOP)-2025. The theme of the said event was “अनुभव से ऊर्जा तक”.

The session was graced by the presence of Shri B.L.Verma, Hon’ble Union Minister of State, Social Justice & Empowerment, Secretary Department of Social Justice & Empowerment, Senior officials of Department of Social Justice and Empowerment, Students, Senior Citizens and representatives from various Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs).

The Constitution of India, under Article 41, already mandates the State to make effective provisions for the welfare of senior citizens. It was in this very spirit that the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007 was enacted. This historic law embodies our cultural ethos — translating care, duty, and love into enforceable rights. Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment is the nodal Department for dealing with the matters concerning the senior citizens.

As per Census 2011, approximately there are 10 crore senior citizens in the country. The numbers are expected to rise to 22 Cr by 2036. This rising population presents both a challenge as well as an opportunity to shift our focus on Senior Citizen Centric Policies. Our country has already taken several initiatives in this direction, both at the policy level and the legal framework.

During the cultural event Air Force Band played Space Flight, Sujlam Suflam, Rejoice in Raisana, Evening Star, Vande Matram and Sare Jahan Se Achha. The tunes played by the Air Force band imbibed the attendees a sense of pride, nationalism and patriotism towards the Mother India. It rekindled the love for their motherland once again.

Padma Shree Geeta Chandran with her team showcased Bharatnatyam. Performance showcasing Tridahara, Namah Shivaya, Omkara Karini in Lavangi Raag and Sankirtan. These soulful performances of the Indian Dance forms mesmerized everyone.

In his address, Shri B.L.Verma, Hon’ble Union Minister of State, Social Justice & Empowerment stated that our senior citizens have always been regarded as symbols of wisdom, patience, and value-based living. Every chapter of their lives—filled with hard work, struggle, sacrifice, and achievements—serves as a guiding light for the younger generation. This cultural programme is special because music, dance, and art come together to give expression to experience and to give a beautiful form to energy as performed by Indian Air Force Musical Band—A Melodic Expression of Service and Unity and Honoured dance and music performance of India’s most renowned dancer, Padma Shree Ms. Geeta Chandran.

This event is memorable because today, three generations share this stage—the musical performances of our elders, the artistic expressions of our youth and the joyful presence of children. The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment is working in this direction, as its every programme is driven by the commitment to ensure dignity, safety, active living, and participation for our senior citizens.

The Cultural event “Aradhana” brought the Senior Citizens, Students, Policy makers, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) together at one platform to promote acting ageing and intergenerational bonding.

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KV

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