New Delhi [India], November 30 : The Department of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India, organised a cultural programme, "Aradhana", at Bhim Hall, DIAC, Janpath, New Delhi, to raise awareness on ageing and promote intergenerational bonding as part of the series of celebrations for the Day of Older Persons (IDOP) - 2025 for senior citizens.
The theme of the programme was "From Experience to Energy", as per an official release by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
The session was attended by Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment BL Verma, the Secretary of the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment, senior officers of the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment, students, senior citizens, and representatives of various Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs).
Under Article 41 of the Indian Constitution, the State is empowered to make effective provisions for the welfare of senior citizens. It is in this spirit that the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007, was enacted.
This landmark law embodies our cultural values, transforming care, duty, and love into enforceable rights. The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment is the nodal department for matters relating to senior citizens.
According to the 2011 census, there are approximately 100 million senior citizens in the country. This number is projected to increase to 220 million by 2036. This growing population presents both a challenge and an opportunity to focus on senior-citizen-focused policies. Our country has already taken several initiatives in this direction, both at the policy and legal levels, according to the release.
During the cultural programme, the Air Force Band played songs such as Space Flight, Sujalam Sufalam, Rejoice in Raisana, Evening Star, Vande Mataram, and Sare Jahan Se Achha.
The tunes played by the Air Force Band instilled a sense of pride, nationalism, and patriotism in the audience towards Mother India. It once again awakened the love for the motherland.
Padmashree Geeta Chandran, along with her team, performed Bharatanatyam. They performed Tridhara, Namah Shivaya, Omkar Karini, and Sankirtan in Lavangi Raga. These soulful performances of Indian dance styles captivated everyone.
In his address, BL Verma, Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, said that our senior citizens have always been considered a symbol 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 event is special because music, dance, and art combine to express experiences and channelise energy beautifully, as presented by the Indian Air Force Music Band, a melodious expression of service and unity, and the esteemed dance and music performance by Padmashree Ms Geeta Chandran, India's renowned dancer, he said.
He further called the event memorable, as three generations were present together on the stage, with musical performances by the elders, artistic expressions by the youth, and the joyful presence of children.
The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment is working towards this, as each of its programmes is driven by a commitment to ensure respect, protection, active living, and participation of our senior citizens, he said.
The cultural event "Aradhana" brought together senior citizens, students, policymakers, and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) on one platform to promote awareness about ageing and inter-generational bonding.