Bhubaneswar : While Senior Citizens’ Day is dedicated to recognizing the contribution of senior citizens to society, we must remember and honor their contributions every day. Senior citizens are invaluable sources of knowledge and experience. Their wisdom and guidance are immensely helpful in building and developing a healthy society, said Nityananda Gond, Minister, Department of Social Security and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (SSEPD), Government of Odisha.
Attending as the Chief Guest at the State-Level Senior Citizens’ Day 2025 organized by the SSEPD Department at Rabindra Mandap, Bhubaneswar, Shri Gond stated that senior citizens have a significant role to play in realizing the vision of a Developed India and in making India a Vishwaguru (global leader). The Government is fully aware of the problems faced by senior citizens and is taking necessary measures for their resolution. By drawing inspiration, blessings, and experience from our elders across various walks of life, we can certainly achieve these national goals, the Minister added.
Bhubaneswar (Ekamra) MLA Babu Singh, attending as Guest of Honour, stated that all of us are bound by love and respect. Hence, it is the collective responsibility of every section of society to ensure that senior citizens are given due importance and provided with social and economic security. “We must always remember that elderly people are not a burden. By moving forward with their experience, ideals, and blessings, we can lead a life of happiness and peace,” he said.
Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) Commissioner Chanchal Rana, also present as Guest of Honour, said that senior citizens often face small but significant problems, many of which can be solved with community cooperation. The BMC always gives priority to addressing the issues of senior citizens. The Government has implemented the Bayo Bandana Yojana for their welfare and established free health service centers at various locations for their medical needs.
Special Secretary Rajani Jani, delivering the welcome address, said that age 60 is not just a number; it symbolizes a wealth of experience. Senior citizens are revered members of our society. The present generation cannot afford to dismiss them as outdated, conservative, or irrelevant.
On this occasion, senior citizens were sensitized and made aware about financial literacy, digital literacy, and cyber safety. A cultural program was presented by Shwetapadma Sangeetalaya Cultural Trust.
Additional Secretary Deepak Routrai delivered the vote of thanks, while the program was coordinated by Punyashloka Priyadarshini. The event was attended by a large number of senior citizens, intellectuals, departmental officers, and representatives from voluntary organizations.
As part of the celebration, a Yoga Camp was organized in the morning at Indira Gandhi Park, Bhubaneswar. Noted comedian Debu Brahma participated and explained the benefits of yoga to senior citizens, advising everyone to practice yoga regularly for mental and physical well-being. A free health check-up camp was also organized for senior citizens.
Senior departmental officers, including Additional Secretary Deepak Routrai, Shri Bhaskar Raito, Sonia Behera, Financial Advisor Jayashree Tripathy, and Deputy Secretary Basanta Kumar Behera were present, among others.
