Mumbai: On the occasion of ‘International Day of Older Persons’, HelpAge India in association with ST Tele Media Global Data Centre India Pvt Ltd organised ‘Intergenerational Walkathon’ where 600 participants walked including senior citizens, students, corporate young employees and HelpAge staff. The Intergenerational Walk started from opposite Bal Bhavan, Charni Road around 9.15 am and ended at Nana Nani Park, Girgaon Chowpatty around 10 am.
Prasad Khairnar, Assistant Commissioner, Social Justice & Special Assistance, government of Maharashtra flagged off the walk. Senior citizens were doing laughter exercise while walking with the younger generation.
At Nana Nani Park, recreational and felicitation programme was organised where students from Ryan International School, Chembur performed dance and sang an old song. Senior citizens danced on the song with students. 72-year-old Chandrakant Herekar from Nana Nani school played a song on a mouth organ. Six people were felicitated for being an example to support the cause of elderly including three senior citizens - Dr Bhasin, Randip Chopda, Prakash Nayak and Sharda Joel, OldAge Home Superintendent, Bimal Khandelwal from corporate sector and Bollywood actress Shamita Shetty.
Prakash Borgaonkar, Director, HelpAge India briefed about the intention of celebrating the day. He told the younger generation to respect the older generation and to support them. He also mentioned that senior citizens should change with time and help the younger generation with their knowledge and experience. Borgaonkar encouraged them to be volunteers of HelpAge India and support lonely, elderly and students.
Borgaonkar along with Yachneet Pushkarna, VP, Global Strategy Intergenerational Schools International, Ohio, Cleveland, mentioned that they are launching project ‘Sanman’ where senior citizens will be trained for their second career. HelpAge India, Intergenerational Schools International, Ohio, Govardhan Eco Village Foundation and Bhakti Vedanta Hospital will jointly take up the project. The objective of this project is to have a complete 360 overview of elderly care by providing them financial independence.
Prasad Khairnar spoke about various government schemes for senior citizens and wished them happy and healthy ageing. Shamita Shetty appealed the younger generation not to neglect their grandparents and support them. She asked the senior citizens to take care of their health and enjoy life.
Nana Nani Foundation, Worli, Dadar & Chinchpokli Senior Citizen Associations, Ryan International School, Chembur, BJPC Institute, Prabhu Seminary School, Patkar College, Bhakti Vedanta Hospital supported towards the success of the programme.
