SRINAGAR: Vice-Chancellor of Cluster University Srinagar, Prof. Mohammad Mobin, has called for greater care and sensitivity towards senior citizens, stressing that ensuring their dignity, security and well-being is a shared responsibility of families and society.
Addressing a programme at Government College for Women (GCW), MA Road, Srinagar, as chief guest, Prof. Mobin said older persons should not be left behind as society progresses. He highlighted the sacrifices parents make while raising their children and said the younger generation must reciprocate with love, patience and commitment to ensure that they age with dignity and a sense of belonging.
The programme was organised by RRTC–Anugraha, Delhi, under the aegis of the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, in collaboration with the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication, GCW MA Road. Moul Mouj Foundation supported the wider awareness initiative.
Welcoming the participants, college Principal Prof. Yasmeen Farooq Khan said the welfare of older persons was a priority for the institution and called for greater compassion and understanding of their needs.
A panel discussion moderated by senior geriatric consultant Dr Zubair Saleem brought together legal, law-enforcement, social and administrative perspectives on issues affecting senior citizens.
Former Commissioner/Secretary of the Jammu and Kashmir Government, Kifayat Hussain Rizvi (IAS Retd.), stressed that retirement should not mean withdrawal from active life.
Senior Superintendent of Police, State Investigation Agency, Tahir Ashraf (JKPS), highlighted the risks posed by cybercrime targeting older persons, particularly digital arrest scams and financial fraud. He emphasised the importance of digital awareness and urged younger family members to help senior citizens use technology safely while respecting their independence.
Secretary of the District Legal Services Authority, Srinagar, Tabassum Qadir Parray, outlined the legal safeguards available to senior citizens, including remedies against neglect, abandonment and abuse under the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007.
In her message, Aabha Chaudhary of RRTC–Anugraha reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to promoting the welfare of older persons and raising awareness about their social and legal rights.
The programme also featured a skit performed by college students, a solo song, a short film screening, a Wakathon and a plantation drive under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ initiative. The activities aimed to promote respect for the elderly and strengthen bonds between generations.
Winners of an essay-writing competition on issues concerning senior citizens were announced, with certificates and cash prizes distributed among them and the skit performers.
The college also felicitated alumni, former principals and faculty members in recognition of their association with the institution. Senior citizens representing various organisations, including the Central Government Pensioners Welfare Association (CGPWA), Kashmir, and Ahata Waqar, were also honoured.
Those present included Cluster University Srinagar Registrar Prof. Wilayat Hussain Rizvi, Controller of Examinations Prof. Khurshid Ahmad Mir, Dean of Sciences Prof. Nighat Nasreen, Dean of Social Sciences Dr Javaid Ahmad Bhat, Prof. Masooda Yaseen, Mandip Kaur and GM Dilshad, besides students, senior citizens and representatives of various organisations.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr Suhail Ahmad, Head of the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication.
