Hoshiarpur/Daljeet Ajnoha/Mat.28 : Indian Association of Parliamentarians on Population and Development (IAPPD), New Delhi organized a workshop on a sensitive theme “Ageing Population in Hoshiarpur District and Punjab: Emerging Challenges and Policy Imperatives” at D.A.V. College of Education, Hoshiarpur. The entire workshop was conducted under the supervision of Sh Avinash Rai Khanna, Ex-MP & Vice-President, IAPPD and Sh. Manmohan Sharma, Secretary, IAPPD.
On this great occasion, Sh. Brahm Shankar Jimpa, MLA, Hoshiarpur graced the occasion as Chief Guest. Sh. Surinder Kumar Shinda, Mayor, Municipal Corporation, Hoshiarpur, Seniour Deputy Mayor Smt. Parveen Saini, Smt. Ashika Jain, Deputy Commissioner, Hoshiarpur and Smt. Gursimranjeet Kaur SDM, Hoshiarpur graced the occasion as Guest of Honour.
Members of Vidhan Sabha, Members of Panchayat & Municipal Corporation, Panch, Sarpanch & Municipal Counsellors, Principals of various Colleges, Advocates, Doctors, Academicians, Members of various NGO and Social Workers actively and enthusiastically participated in this workshop.
In his presentation Sh. Avinash Rai Khanna highlighted that 11% population is already above 60 and by 2036 it may increase to double. Sh. Avinash Rai Khanna also highlighted the key challenges of ageing population care like inadequate infrastructure, lack of regulation in elder care, limited trained caregivers and gap in policy implementation. Sh. Khanna also highlighted the initiatives of Centre & Punjab Government and objectives of IAPPD project. He also quoted the example of Japan and many other examples of Punjab and J&K that how he helped the older people in Covid-19 and gave happiness to them. He also encouraged the audience to take care of their parents, grand-parents and also other old people residing near them.
While interacted with the audience Chief Guest Sh. Brahm Shankar Jimpa stressed on the importance of strengthening government policies related to elder care, including better medical facilities, pension schemes, and community-based support systems. He also quoted the various examples that how he personally helped the older people at different places and helped the older people residing in Old-Age Home.
Deputy Commissioner Ashika Jain in her presidential address quoted the example of Germany where in Old-age homes older people and children reside in one premises that helps in increasing the happiness index. The DC also highlighted the importance of community participation in supporting the elderly, ensuring their dignity, safety, and emotional well-being.
While interacting with audience Mayor Sh. Surinder Kumar Shinda said, when we look after our parents or grand-parents how they become happy. Our parents take care of us with great difficulty and endure many hardships. Now it’s our turn to care for them. The mayor also urged the audience to show empathy and respect towards the elderly, ensuring their inclusion and active participation in community life.
On this great occasion, IAPPD and Eminent Dignitaries felicitated Sh. Jaswinder Lavia and Arvinder Agnihotri to serve the elderly at ground level. They also felicitated the Principals, J.B. Bahal, Sonalika Group and Principal Dr. Vidhi Bhalla.
On behalf of D.A.V. College Managing Committee, Hoshiapur and IAPPD, Principal Dr. Vidhi Bhalla extended a vote of thanks to the eminent dignitaries and participants. She also expressed a hope that the discussions would inspire collective action towards ensuring dignity, care and support for elderly in the society.
