The Department of Social Justice & Empowerment, Government of India, organized a programme “Celebration of Intergenerational Bonds” on 20 December 2025 at Progressive Heights School, Biaora, District Rajgarh, Madhya Pradesh, with the objective of strengthening emotional, social, and cultural bonding between different generations and promoting active and dignified ageing.

The event was graced by Shri Virendra Kumar, Hon’ble Union Minister for Social Justice & Empowerment; Shri Narayan Singh Panwar, Hon’ble Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Fishermen Welfare and Fisheries Development, Government of Madhya Pradesh; Shri Gautam Tetwal, Minister of State for Skill Development and Employment (Independent Charge) and Shri Rodmal Nagar, Hon’ble Member of Parliament, Rajgarh. Senior government officers, representatives of social organizations, and a large number of students, and family members, including grandparents of the children, were also present.

The programme aimed to further strengthen the spirit of affection, dialogue, cooperation, and mutual respect between generations. Such initiatives play a vital role in connecting society, carrying forward values and traditions, and strengthening collective social consciousness.

The event reaffirmed the Government of India’s commitment to building an inclusive and elder-friendly society by encouraging intergenerational engagement, community participation, and active ageing. It highlighted how the experiences, wisdom, and values of senior citizens, when combined with the energy, creativity, and curiosity of children and youth, contribute to the creation of a balanced, sensitive, and progressive society.

The programme at Progressive Heights School featured a wide range of activities designed to promote intergenerational harmony and social cohesion:

• Cultural performances by students, including dance, music, and artistic presentations, conveying strong messages on the importance of intergenerational bonding, respect for elders, and the continuity of values.
• Interactive session with senior citizens, providing a platform for them to share their experiences, reflections, and feedback on the initiative, thereby fostering meaningful dialogue between generations.
• Collective pledge-taking programme, a pledge was administered by Honble Minister, Dr. Virendra Kumar to the attendees, across all age groups for upholding respect, love, and care towards senior citizens. The pledge taking reinforced a shared sense of responsibility and commitment towards the dignity, and well-being of senior citizens.
• A Walkathon led by the Hon’ble Union Minister for Social Justice & Empowerment, symbolizing the shared commitment of children, youth, and senior citizens towards health, unity, and an active lifestyle. The walkathon presented a powerful visual of social harmony and community participation.

In his address, Shri Virendra Kumar, Hon’ble Union Minister of Social Justice & Empowerment, emphasized that senior citizens are the custodians of experience, tradition, and values, and are an invaluable strength of the nation. He underlined the importance of promoting active, healthy, and dignified ageing through community-based initiatives and intergenerational engagement.

The Hon’ble Minister highlighted several key initiatives of the Ministry, including, Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana (RVY), under which assistive devices related to mobility, vision, and hearing are provided to senior citizens, enabling them to lead independent and confident lives with dignity. He informed that over 7.28 lakh senior citizens across the country have benefited from the scheme so far. Strengthening of Elderline 14567, which has received more than 27 lakh calls, providing support, guidance, and emergency assistance to senior citizens. Promotion of intergenerational bonding through cultural, community, and outreach programmes across the country, and the provision of celebration of grandparents’ day at school.

Dr. Virendra Kumar, Honble Minister, SJ&E also interacted personally with senior citizens during the programme, listening to their experiences and feedback.

The Celebration of this programme successfully brought together senior citizens, children, youth, and the community on a shared platform of respect, participation, and cooperation. Through cultural expression, dialogue, physical activity, and collective commitment, the event reinforced the message that intergenerational harmony is essential for building a healthy, inclusive, and compassionate society.

Aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047, the programme underscored the pivotal role of senior citizens as mentors and role models, while encouraging the younger generation to learn from their experiences and contribute actively to nation-building. The event marked another meaningful step in advancing the national agenda on senior citizen welfare and fostering a harmonious, empowered, and inclusive India.

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KV

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