Event Detail

Date : 2nd December, 2026

The District Level Integrated Senior Citizens Welfare Programme was organised at St. Xavier's School Ground, Pakyong District, by the Women, Child, Senior Citizen & Divyangjan Welfare Department under the framework of the Atal Vayo Abhyudaya Yojana.
The programme aimed to promote the welfare, dignity, and active participation of senior citizens in society. It also focused on strengthening intergenerational bonding by involving students, volunteers, community members, and elderly participants on a common platform.
Objectives
i) To promote the physical, mental, and social well-being of senior citizens.
ii) To honour and recognise the valuable contributions of senior citizens.
iii) To create awareness about welfare schemes, legal rights, and services available for the elderly.

iv) To encourage intergenerational bonding and community participation. Inaugural Session

The programme commenced with a welcome address by Ms. Dikit Lepcha, Deputy Director-cum- Social Welfare Officer (SWO), Women, Child, Senior Citizen & Divyangjan Welfare Department, who warmly welcomed the dignitaries and participants. In her address, she sensitised senior citizens on their rights, welfare provisions, and the importance of active participation in society. The significance and vision of the programme were highlighted by the District Collector, Rohan Agawane Ramesh, IAS, who emphasised the importance of preserving traditions, strengthening intergenerational relationships, and ensuring dignity and respect for senior citizens.

The programme was graced by the Hon'ble Chief Guest, Mrs. Pamin Lepcha, MLA of Gnathang- Machong Constituency and Advisor to the Women, Child, Senior Citizen & Divyangjan Welfare Department, along with senior district officials.
The event also witnessed the presence of the President and Executive Members of the Sikkim Government Retired Employees Welfare Association, Sikkim Senior Citizens Foundation, Sikkim Government Retired Teachers' Welfare Association, and Panchayat Presidents of various GPUs, reflecting strong community participation and institutional support.

Programme Activities and Highlights
Participation and Felicitation:
Senior citizens from different parts of Pakyong District actively participated in the programme and were felicitated with tokens of appreciation in recognition of their lifelong service and contributions.

Legal Awareness Session:
Resource person Senior Advocate Mr. Narendra Rai from the Sikkim State Legal Services Authority (SLSA) delivered an informative session on the rights and welfare of senior citizens, elaborating on legal safeguards, maintenance provisions, and remedies available in cases of neglect or abuse.
Health Camp:
A medical team deputed by the Chief Medical Officer, Pakyong, organised a comprehensive health camp for senior citizens. The camp included screening and examination for non-communicable diseases (NCDs), dementia screening, oral hygiene assessment, and mental health evaluation, thereby promoting preventive healthcare and early diagnosis.

Walkathon cum Intergenerational Bonding:
A walkathon was organised by the SWO Office to promote the message of healthy and active ageing, encouraging senior citizens to adopt physically active lifestyles.
Composite Regional Centre, Assam Lingzey also participated in the programme.

Storytelling Session:
A storytelling session was conducted by senior citizen Mr Navin Dawari, highlighting oral traditions, life experiences, and cultural values passed down through generations, thereby strengthening intergenerational learning.
Book Launch:
The programme featured the launch of books authored by senior citizens, including Merger Memories & Other Stories by Hemant Gurung and the Lepcha novel Numkum by Nimkit Lepcha, celebrating literary contributions of the elderly.
Student Participation:
Students from various educational institutions across the district formed the core participants of the programme, actively engaging with senior citizens and fostering intergenerational bonding.

Outcome and Impact
The programme resulted in:
i) Increased awareness among senior citizens regarding welfare schemes and legal rights.
ii) Promotion of preventive healthcare and healthy ageing practices.
iii) Enhanced dignity, self-esteem, and social inclusion of senior citizens.
iv) Strengthened collaboration among the district administration, Welfare Department, medical authorities, civil society organisations, and educational institutions.
v) Reinforced intergenerational respect, understanding, and cultural continuity.

Conclusion:
The District Level Integrated Senior Citizens Welfare Programme was successfully conducted and received an overwhelming and encouraging response from senior citizens, stakeholders, and the community. The initiative effectively fulfilled its objectives by promoting active ageing, social inclusion, legal awareness, and dignity of senior citizens.
Through meaningful activities such as legal sensitisation, health screenings, walkathon, storytelling, and literary recognition, the programme created a holistic platform for empowerment and engagement of the elderly.
The initiative reaffirmed the commitment of the district administration and the Women, Child, Senior Citizen & Divyangjan Welfare Department towards ensuring the welfare, empowerment, and active participation of senior citizens in society, in alignment with the vision and objectives of the Atal Vayo Abhyudaya Yojana.