The government continues to strengthen its commitment towards ensuring the dignity, security and well-being of senior citizens through comprehensive initiatives under the Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana (AVYAY). Commemorating the International Day of Older Persons (IDOP) 2025, the Department organised a series of nationwide programmes to promote healthy ageing, social inclusion, legal awareness and inter-generational bonding among senior citizens.

This information was given by Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Shri B.L. Verma in a written reply to Dr. Ashok Kumar Mittal in the Lok Sabha.

The nationwide celebrations highlighted the Government's sustained efforts to create an age-friendly society while encouraging active participation of senior citizens in community life. The initiatives also complemented the objectives of AVYAY by strengthening partnerships with institutions, civil society organisations and local communities.

As part of the celebrations, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed with the Birla Open Minds Foundation to promote collaborative initiatives for the welfare and empowerment of senior citizens. The Department also virtually inaugurated five Senior Citizen Homes located in Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Assam, Uttar Pradesh and Jharkhand, further expanding institutional care and support infrastructure for elderly citizens across the country.

To encourage stronger family values and inter-generational engagement, the Department launched "Naitik Patham", an interactive educational game designed to promote meaningful interaction between younger and older generations. A QR Code-based initiative for Grandparents-Teachers Meetings was also introduced to foster greater involvement of senior citizens in children's educational development.

The celebrations included inter-generational bonding programmes in Jabalpur, Badaun, Chhatarpur, Navgaon, Biaora and Mount Abu, bringing together youth and senior citizens through interactive activities. In collaboration with S-VYASA, Bengaluru, yoga sessions and health camps were organised to promote healthy and active ageing among elderly citizens.

Recognising the importance of legal awareness, a special session on the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007 was organised in collaboration with the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA). The programme focused on creating awareness regarding the legal rights, welfare provisions and social security measures available to senior citizens while encouraging families and communities to fulfil their responsibilities towards elderly members.

A cultural programme titled "Aradhana" was also organised to celebrate the invaluable contribution of senior citizens to society and to encourage their active participation in cultural and community life.

Through these initiatives, the Government reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that every senior citizen lives with dignity, respect, security and access to quality care. Under the umbrella of Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana (AVYAY), the Ministry continues to work in convergence with State Governments, autonomous bodies and civil society organisations to build an inclusive and supportive ecosystem for senior citizens across the country.

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