The Department of Social Welfare, Nagaland, in collaboration with the Senior Citizens Association Zunheboto, Legal Services Authority, Town Council Zunheboto and school students, organised the 19th Celebration of the International Day of Older Persons at the Town Hall on 1st October 2026.
The event, held under the 2026 theme “The Age of Longevity: Rethinking System for Longer Lives,” was followed by a free health camp for senior citizens at the same venue.
The programme opened with an invocation by Vihokhü Zhimomi, Assistant Pastor, ZTSBC followed by a Keynote address delivered by R. Imtinukshi, District Welfare Officer, Zunheboto.
In his address, Deputy Commissioner of Zunheboto, Dharam Raj, IAS, emphasised the importance of ensuring a healthy, active and meaningful life for senior citizens while acknowledging the efforts of the government and various departments in improving the quality and longevity of life of the elders.
Expressing gratitude to all the people and departments involved, the Deputy Commissioner said that the government has been working consistently towards enabling people to live longer and healthier lives. He noted that a significant portion of the population now comprises elderly persons, with the average life expectancy steadily increasing, reflecting the impact of various government initiatives.
Referring to welfare measures such as Ayushman Bharat and old age pension schemes, he said that such initiatives demonstrate the government's efforts towards the welfare and well-being of senior citizens. However, he stressed that the emotional and social aspects of ageing should also receive due attention.
The Deputy Commissioner observed that while the average age of the population has increased, India still has room to progress compared to developed countries such as Japan in terms of longevity and healthy ageing.
He also highlighted the importance of keeping senior citizens actively engaged in society, sharing their experiences and ideas with the younger generation, can provide meaningful engagement while also helping preserve traditions, values and cultural knowledge.
Awards were presented to outstanding senior citizens. State level awardees were Kitoli Naje and H. Kashito Yepthomi, while the district level awards went to N. Atoli Sema and N. Toihe Sema.
Retainer Lawyer, District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Easter H. Yeptho, served as the resource person. Dr. Hutton Sümi, Pastor, SBCZ, offered a special prayer for older persons. The vote of thanks was proposed by Er. Hokhevi Muru, Vice-President, and the benediction was pronounced by Kughavi V. Chishi, Pastor, NCRC Sümi, Zunheboto.
Parallel to the celebrations, an awareness programme on “The Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007” was conducted at the Town Hall. The session was organised by the Department of Social Welfare in collaboration with the Zunheboto District Legal Services Authority under the aegis of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA).
The twin events highlighted the importance of recognising the contributions of older persons, strengthening support systems for longer and healthier lives, and creating greater awareness about the legal rights and protections available to senior citizens and their families.
(Sepikiu S Sangtam, IA Zunheboto)
