Celebrating Senior Citizens: International Day of Older Persons 2025 in Jabalpur

Context and Overview

The Department of Social Justice & Empowerment (DoSJE), Government of India, in collaboration with the Cantonment Board, Ministry of Defence, and the State Government of Madhya Pradesh, will celebrate the International Day of Older Persons, 2025, on 6th October at Manas Bhavan, Jabalpur.

• The event emphasizes respect, dignity, and welfare of senior citizens and aligns with India’s broader vision of an inclusive society.

• It reinforces the commitment to elder care, inter-generational bonding, and social justice for older persons.

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Dignitaries Present

• Dr. Virender Kumar, Union Minister, Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment

• Sh. Rakesh Singh, PWD Minister, Madhya Pradesh

• Sh. Narayan Singh Kushwah, Minister, Social Justice & Disabled Welfare, Madhya Pradesh

• Sh. Ashish Dubey, MP (Lok Sabha)

• Ms. Sumitra Balmik, MP (Rajya Sabha)

• Sh. Abhilash Pandey, MLA

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Key Activities and Initiatives

1. Cultural Performances:

   • Students from Swami Vivekanand Model High School, Katanga will perform programs reflecting respect for elders and India’s rich cultural heritage.

2. Nukkad Natak by Ashmita Group (NSD):

   • Street play spreading awareness on dignity, rights, and social inclusion of senior citizens.

3. Felicitation Ceremony:

   • Senior citizens will be honored for their contributions to society.

4. Experience Sharing:

   • Older persons will share life experiences, inspiring younger generations.

5. Competitions & Prize Distribution:

   • Students who participated in events held on 1st October 2025 will be recognized for promoting elder respect and awareness.

6. Sankalp – Pledge:

   • Administered by the Union Minister to reaffirm collective responsibility towards elder care.

7. Walkathon:

   • Aims to promote inter-generational bonding, care, and respect for senior citizens.

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Policy and Governance Relevance

• GS Paper 2 – Governance & Social Justice:

  • Focus on elder care policies and implementation of the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007.

  • Collaborative efforts between Central and State Governments showcase federal partnership for social welfare.

• GS Paper 3 – Social Justice & Inclusion:

  • Promotes age-friendly communities, active participation of older persons in society, and protection of rights and dignity.

  • Encourages awareness campaigns and cultural integration for senior citizens.

• UN Alignment:

  • Observance aligns with UN International Day of Older Persons, promoting global norms on elder rights and inclusion.

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Strategic and Social Significance

• Encourages respect for the elderly, an essential aspect of India’s socio-cultural ethos.

• Enhances inter-generational solidarity, contributing to inclusive development.

• Strengthens civil society and government engagement in elder welfare programs.

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Conclusion

The International Day of Older Persons 2025 in Jabalpur exemplifies India’s commitment to social justice and inclusivity, reinforcing the rights, dignity, and welfare of senior citizens. Through collaborative initiatives between Central and State Governments, cultural awareness programs, and citizen engagement activities, the event promotes age-friendly communities, inter-generational bonding, and national solidarity, making it a model for elder care initiatives across the country.