Shoolini University’s Legal Aid Clinic, in collaboration with the District Legal Services Authority, Solan, marked International Senior Citizens Day with a thought-provoking event. The gathering focused on the rights, challenges, and well-being of senior citizens. The gathering, organised by the Faculty of Legal Sciences, brought together students, faculty, and legal experts to discuss the pressing issues faced by the elderly in today’s society.
Assistant Professor Vineet Kumar, who convened the event, opened with a compelling address that set the tone for the day. Through a poignant story, he illustrated the difficulties many senior citizens endure, emphasising the necessity for empathy and respect in addressing their needs.
Adding to the discourse, BALLB student Mansha provided a historical overview of Senior Citizens Day, deepening the audience’s understanding of its significance. Following this, fellow BALLB student Ananya outlined the various legislative measures in place to protect senior citizens, ensuring that the future legal professionals in attendance were well-informed of the laws designed to safeguard older people.
Anshika, another BALLB student, highlighted the importance of upholding the human rights of senior citizens, stressing society’s role in ensuring these rights are respected. This was followed by Assistant Professor Swati Soni’s detailed analysis of Indian social welfare laws. She discussed crucial legislations like the Hindu Adoption and Maintenance Act, 1956, the Bhartiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, and the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007, urging attendees to recognise their responsibilities towards the elderly.
Professor Nandan Sharma concluded the event by summarising the key points raised. He reminded the audience of the valuable role older people play in society and the challenges that come with ageing, especially in the context of India’s changing family structures. He highlighted that, according to the 2011 Census, India has 104 million elderly citizens, with women outnumbering men in this demographic.
In his closing remarks, Prof Sharma pointed out that the National Programme for Health Care of Elderly and the Ayushman Bharat programme’s Health and Wellness Centres are crucial in providing essential healthcare to the elderly, particularly at the primary care level.
The event ended on a reflective note with a vote of thanks delivered by Assistant Professor Palak Sharma. It succeeded in deepening understanding of senior citizens’ complex issues and showcasing the importance of robust legal and social support systems in addressing these challenges.
August 22, 2024
