KARMAYUGA- ‘The Right every Wrong Generation’ Campaign launched to ignite the ‘Volunteer’ spirit among citizens

No Individual, Institution or Organization, not even the UN or any government  can Change the World but if every citizen practices her / his fundamental duties & Individual Social Responsibility,  then maybe collectively we could make the world a more egalitarian, just, humane & responsible society. Each of us can right a wrong and thus together as ONE we can RIGHT every WRONG.  ‘KARMAYUGA- The Right Every Wrong Generation’, a nationwide campaign has been launched by iCONGO and CtrlS on 12thOct’11, from Mumbai, with the core objective of bringing together and recognizing citizen volunteers/uncommon and unsung heroes , who through their focused action, are trying to lead the society towards a better tomorrow.

This initiative salutes and showcases the extra ordinary and inspiring work done by ordinary mortals, to Right a Wrong that they see around them. To be a part of the “Karmayuga Campaign” one need not join an NGO or campaign, nor give any money, clothes and newspapers to charity. All that one needs to do is do small simple acts with big commitment & involvement” to address wrongs in the society. The person can post his story on the official Karmayuga website www.righteverywrong.com , so that more people can follow his/her example and the tipping point reached, wherein everyone gets together to RIGHT every WRONG.

On the occasion Mr. Jeroninio Almeida, Founder-iCONGO said, “All our SIMPLE ACTIONS can make a BIG DIFFERENCE in bringing about a change in our world. We believe that a selfless citizen action can spark a mass movement where all citizens work “Together as One to Right every Wrong”.  The Matchbox symbolizes the idea of “Igniting Citizen Action”. He further added, “Our mission in a nutshell is to encourage social justice through citizen action. We believe that if citizens start doing small, simple actions in our own space and time, then one day we will see that big difference in real sense and this shall benefit our future generations. Probably the most powerful healing for all socio-political evils is the creation of more and more citizen heroes”. He appeals to all citizens to. Act NOW; DO SOMETHING to Right a WRONG around you and Belong to Karmayuga- The RIGHT every WRONG generation.
Present at the event Ms. Gul Panag, Founder, Social Outreach and Accreditation Programme (SOAP) said, “The Karmayuga Campaign is in its true meaning ‘Voluntary’ and to be a part of it each one has to become Anna Hazare themselves and to motivate people to help each other  in the real world.It is the most ethical concept ever put down to work. According to one’s own capabilities and discretion, volunteers are expected to work in their desired area of interest in their own way.”

Mr. P Sridhar Reddy, Chairman and Managing Director, CtrlS, shared his thoughts “Being India’s largest and only certified tier IV data center, we have always been led by an inherent drive to deliver technological innovations that build a sustainable eco system, thereby making this world a better place to live in. We’re proud to say CtrlS Mumbai; with a PUE of 1.4 is the most energy efficient datacenter in India. From implementing eco-friendly practices in our workplaces, to following tier IV standards of operation, or delivering excellence through our philosophy of ‘Total Ownership’, we believe sustainable solutions are the stepping stones for a secure tomorrow. We are in the business of protecting data with full confidentiality and have partnered Karmayuga to create more protectors for our planet and people.

We are delighted to say that partnering with iCONGO, has brought us another step closer to building healthier ecosystem. Every company today must have a holistic CSR policy that encourages employees to get involved in social issues. This will push the organization towards better efficiency and profitability.

The entire movement is powered by Ctrls – iCONGO Karmaveer Puraskaar- Global awards for Social Justice and Citizen Action, initiated by iCONGO 6 years back. Through KVP, iCONGO has been felicitating and highlighting the work done by citizens who have gone beyond their usual business and have readily Lead the Change in the society through selfless actions. Karmaveer awardees are fondly referred to as Noble Laureates and many of them have gone on and joined national committees and planning commissions as core members and had also served as ambassadors of global movements.”

“Belong to Karmayuga- The RIGHT every WRONG Generation – this is an opportunity to be a part of a social movement” says Rakhi Sarkar, Country Director – VSO India. We usually talk about our rights but as citizens of this country we have responsibilities as well. By becoming a part of Karmyuga it will be an excellent opportunity for citizens to engage and address the problems of social and economic inequity that surrounds them. Volunteering is a powerful instrument to promote inclusive development through active civic engagement.   Be a “Karmyugi” – this is an opportunity to be a part of a social movement and make a difference – your efforts do matter and can improve the prospects of people, communities and Indian society as a whole Rakhi added.

The top 20 stories will be awarded CtrlS- iCONGO Karmaveer Chakra, a medallion for proactive voluntary actions to Be The Change, instituted with the UN. . All people/ children/ youth who participate shall be awarded the “CtrlS- iCONGO KARMAVEER- THE RIGHT every WRONG Generation Certificate” for being the change and for promoting Social Justice through her/ his action.

The movement conceptualized & initiated by iCONGO (International Confederation of NGOs and VSO India) the world’s leading independent international development organization that works through volunteers to fight poverty in developing countries. The campaign is emphatically supported by renowned personalities including Mr. P Sridhar Reddy, Chairman and Managing Director of CtrlS, the largest tier iv datacenter in South Asia, and social activist and actress Gul Panag, (Founder of the volunteering movement SOAP).

Those Present at this event were Jeroninio Almeida , Gul Pang, P Sridhar Reddy , Abha Singh , Sailesh Mishra , Vincent Nazareth and Vandana Shah.

Many organizations, NGOs, Corporates, Academic Institutions and Media Houses, have joined hands with the Karmayuga Campaign as Initiative Partners to spread the message. The Initiative partners include-  UNV ( United Nations Volunteers), SOAP, RTF, RTI Nation, Goa Forgiving, The Image India Institute, World Comics Trust, GOD, SOIL, Skill share International, Silver Innings, Masoom, HFI, Samarthanam, OLPC, THF, Olives Bar and Kitchen, Dialogue India, Good Shepherd’s Home.

A co-branded Chakra has been created with each Initiative partner to felicitate their partners and supporters.

Forget yourself for others, and others will never forget you.

Citizen Journalism (CJ) , Exclusively 3 days course for Senior Citizens at Mumbai

The JM Foundation for Excellence in Journalism announces a new module of its Citizen Journalism programme from September 30 to October 2, 2011 (Friday, Saturday and Sunday)  -- this time exclusively for senior citizens. Individuals aged 60 years and above are eligible to apply.

Silver Inning Foundation promotes this unique programme for Senior Citizens for the empowerment of silver citizens across the country, to harness the wisdom and experience of senior citizens towards a deeper participation in our democracy.

What
The course is designed as an extended weekend programme stretching over three days. Specialists from areas connected with the content of this course, professionals and domain experts would be conducting the training and information exchange programme.

Why
Increasingly, the citizen is being asked to contribute to the news gathering process, either through write ups, pictures, video or information. Moreover, there are issues which need to be reported about. Be it environment, transport or water conservation. Often, it could be something as critical as an inadequacy we notice in the state's performance.

But how does one go about it. How does one gather facts? How do one verify these facts? If one needs to seek information, does one know how to avail of the Right to Information (RTI) process? What are the basic laws which one is governed by, or which one sees being violated time and again, and against which one can raise a voice? Does one know the basic traffic and civic laws and redressal mechanisms, the penal code and basic constitutional rights. Does one know the process of seeking redressal? How do the courts in India function? Can I be heard there and how?

This and much more could be the reasons a citizen should avail this programme.

Who
This module has been tailored exclusively for individuals of/above 60 years of age. No formal qualification needed. You need to have a basic understanding of reading and writing.

Course Contents
Some of the key areas covered in the course include Citizen Journalism backgrounder and how it is practiced globally, basics of reporting, news gathering, presenting the story through words and pictures, ethics including accuracy and fairness, laws including slander and privacy, introduction to Indian Penal Code (IPC) and Criminal Procedure Code, civic laws and use of technology in Citizen Journalism.

Reporting by Citizen Journalists will be put on a portal dedicated to citizen journalism called CitizensReport.in

Eligibility
Any senior citizen interested in becoming a citizen journalist. Basic language skills in any Indian language or English needed.

Where
St. Andrew's College, Bandra (W), Mumbai.

When
September 30 - October 2, 2011. (Friday, Saturday, Sunday). 9.00 am to 5.00 pm.

Fee: 
Rs. 1250/-inclusive of reading material, food on all three days,and a certificate of participation. Senior citizens keen on registering in groups of five and above can avail of a further discount of Rs. 250/- per participant.

To register:
1. Download and fill out the soft copy of the registration form , click here :  http://journalism.org.in/index.html

2. Mail the form as an attachment to lavanya.varadrajan@journalism.org.in
3. Send a draft or cheque of the requisite fee amount favouring "JM Foundation for Excellence in Journalism" to:
JM Foundation for Excellence in Journalism
104 Sanjay Appa Chambers, 83 Guru Hargobindraiji Marg,
AG Link Road, Andheri (E), Mumbai 400093.

Contact:

Lavanya Varadrajan: 022-40155197 / +91-98207 87949  /  +91-98209 85853 

Programme Directors
Shishir Joshi and Aloke Thakore

Shishir Joshi was till recently the Group Editorial Director of the Mid-Day group of publications, which includes Mid-Day (Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Pune), Sunday Mid-Day, Gujarati Mid-Day and Inquilab. Prior to Mid-Day, Joshi was with the TV Today group, where he was executive editor. He has also been editorial consultant for the Sahara group, helping set up TV channels across India as well as recruiting and training professionals for them. Prior to that he was with NDTV as its sole business news correspondent based out of Mumbai. He has worked with CNN.com, written for Reuters and AFP and has contributed to UK based ITN-Channel 4 News and has been the South Asia Representative of Peter Arnett's Broadcast News Network (BNN TV). A law graduate, he is a Chevening Scholar. He is the co-founder of Journalism Mentor.

Aloke Thakore is a journalist, researcher and teacher. He has worked in print and television. At various times he has reported, written columns, authored academic articles, anchored programmes, taught at university and colleges, and coached in news rooms. He has also helped launched newspapers and magazines both as editorial and management consultant. He counts many journalists and media professionals among his students and trainees. A Media Leadership Fellow of the Poynter Institute for Media Studies, he has a Ph.D. in Mass Communications from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, an AM in International Relations from the University of Chicago, an MS in Journalism from the University of Kansas. His first degree is from Calcutta University. He is the co-founder of Journalism Mentor.

Background
Citizen Journalism with its variants in Public Journalism or Civic Journalism acquired the accoutrements of a movement in the early 2000s, particularly in the United States. But the origins of Citizen Journalism are as old as journalism, when pamphlets and reports were issued by citizens. Some of the most powerful pieces of journalistic writing can be traced back to individual initiatives of citizens as reporters not reporters as professionals.

The need for citizens as journalists and for citizen journalists has been increasingly felt as media companies with their business and professional news gathering models do not necessarily commit enough resources to covering issues that beset a democracy such as ours or do not have any incentive to cover problems from a wide swathe of society. But not covering these problems and issues does not wish away the reality. And that is precisely where citizen journalists can reclaim the conversation. It needs to be remembered that the freedom of the press in India is an extension of the freedom of expression given to each citizen.

JM Foundation for Excellence in Journalism believes that India needs vigorous citizen journalism since it is well nigh impossible, for various reasons, for the news media organizations to cover all issues that need to be brought into the public eye. Hence, we have launched a Citizen Journalism initiative, which will both train citizen journalists and also provide them with a forum where they report.

JM Foundation for Excellence in Journalism
104, Sanjay Appa Chambers,
First Floor, Plot No 82,
Guru Hargobindraiji Marg,
A. G. Link Road, Andheri (E),
Mumbai – 400 093
Phone Nos:             +91-22-4015 5384       / 197
http://www.journalism.org.in
http://www.journalismmentor.in
http://www.citizensreport.in
 

Forget yourself for others, and others will never forget you.

Medical Student's Experience of Geriatrics in India: Summer 2011

India is big, crowded, and changing faster economically and socially than it can seem to keep up with.  The largest democracy in the world with over one billion people, it is completely overwhelming and exhilarating, but there is also a prevalent warmth and hospitality within the people wherever you go.  India’s history is as rich and colorful as you can get, with hundreds of different conquerors and border changes, the famous story of independence led by Mahatma Gandhi, and evidence of it all remaining in the temples, statues, and preservations of countless historical sites.  The culture is heavily influenced by religion and their daily rituals influence almost every part of the lives of the Hindu people I interacted with.  Muslims and Christians, along with Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Jews, and Zorastrians also are seen openly practicing their religions, and all living in relative peace and sybiosis with each other. 

The changes that the country is experiencing are palpable.  A brand new office building next to a rusty corrugated metal capped slum in Mumbai, a polished SUV on the road next too a cow, and of course the technology boom bringing western modernity into the developing world that is trying to keep up, are some of the obvious sites showcasing the new vs. the old.  Health issues are changing too- there is improvement in some public health measures, but there is still a long way to go; you’d be very adventurous to drink the tap water.  And with the large amount of people moving into the cities and greater availability of unhealthy foods, rates of diabetes and hypertension are on a dangerous incline.  But when talking to the locals about what is changing, especially from the elderly generation, you hear about the huge social changes taking place.  The breakdown of the Indian family model, which used to be comprised of a large household with all generations, is now becoming nuclear and leaving many from the silver generation without a home. 

My rotation focused on the health and social issues of the elderly population in India.  I worked with a multi-faceted medical NGO in Bangalore, the Nightingale Trust, whose realm includes home medical care, an inpatient dementia care unit, adult day care, and rural medical visits amongst other things.  I also worked with a newer NGO in Mumbai known as Silver Inning Foundation which uses social networking and media to help address multiple human rights issues and needs of the elderly.  My goals in this rotation were to learn about the health and human rights issues involving the elderly in India and compare them to the USA’s, share my knowledge and ideas with the Indian people I work with, and use my connections and what I learned in the future in some way to help address these and similar problems.

Before leaving, I had some grasp on the issues affecting the elderly.  I had heard that there were rising amounts of elderly people due to increasing life expectancy, and little infrastructure to support them.  Also I knew rates of diabetes were on the rise.  I wanted to explore the issues from a medical and human rights perspective, as are my interests.  When arriving, I found that these things were true, and more.  Again and again I heard the stories of children abandoning their parents, or moving away to the US.  There was no government support to help them finance their daily life.  Rates of depression have increased in the elderly as an outcome of the changing family structure too. 

The NGOs I worked with were helping to address these issues.  Nightingale Trust was providing home care to people in the cities and the rural areas that once had no access.  They also help underfunded people with adult daycare, abuse help lines, and sliding scale payments.  Silver Inning foundation was using social networking and media to connect elderly people with each other and with the help they needed.  They put poor people in touch with affordable old age homes, provided an elder abuse hotline, visited men’s and women’s group and provided them with information and ideas, and were constantly promoting awareness with innovative networking.  I was a part of these NGOs as an observer and short-term worker.  I think my presence benefitted the people I interacted with by sharing my knowledge of how the elderly are treated in America and by showing my support of the activities and the people in need.

I think the greatest benefit of students’ involvement in global health is the impact is has on the student herself.  I would not be the person or doctor that I am if it wasn’t for my community service and global health experiences.  My experience in India humbled me and took my breath away several times.  The family that I stayed with told me that instead of selling their printing company, they just gave it to their employers as a sign of gratitude for years of hard work.  Both NGOs I worked with were started by individuals who used all self-funding for years to keep them alive.  The fact that everything seems to work out so well in the face of so much constant chaos in India, I can only attribute to the amazing way everyone is constantly helping their fellow man.  As my rotation had a large focus on human rights, I think this observation of hospitality, selflessness, and charity made the largest impression on me. 

In terms of my professional career, experiences like this rotation benefit me greatly.  I am entering into a residency in Internal Medicine that focuses on helping a diverse and underserved population, and the more experience I get with other cultures and pathologies, the better I can treat each individual.  It also shapes my goals and reiterates my desires to help all people, regardless of class, race, and borders.  I will be more of an advocate for the elderly after interviewing and assisting so many in India.  And I will be much more mindful of human rights issues with the elderly such as abuse, lack of support and a home, depression and loneliness.  Also, I made a lot of connections with doctors and activists in India, and I have no doubts that we can continue to work together in the future.

In my time in India I worked in two large cities, visited rural sites surrounding them both, and traveled to 5 cities total.  I aimed to get as much possible out of my short time there and I think I succeeded.  The NGOs I worked with showed me a comprehensive view of the health and human rights issues affecting the elderly in India.  Most of the medical problems were similar to what we see here.  Diabetes is on the rise, mostly due to the influx of people into urban areas, and the availability of food, unhealthy food, in the cities.  Also with urbanization come many sedentary jobs leading to lack of exercise and obesity.  Other common things are common, such as hypertension, asthma, COPD, dementia, depression, and cancer.  Dementia is receiving growing attention, and the prevalence is increasing due to the increase in life expectancy and increase in awareness. 

When I explored the Indian people’s perception of health care in their country I was surprised at how little people complained, which was much less than I feel we do here in America.  I found myself looking for problems, asking leading questions to get to the bottom of it.  What I found is that most people say they get medical care when they need it, and at not too high of a cost.  Very few people have insurance, and there is no Medicaid or Medicare equivalent for the destitute and elderly.  However with the lower cost of health care due partly to the lack of insurance companies, most people get what they need.  I asked, “What if you get cancer?  What if you have diabetes?  What if you’re the poorest poor?”  Most of the responses were basically that if you have chronic diseases there are schemes available to help, and that there are good government hospitals that are free to the poor.  But when I got to the bottom of it I noticed that people were not getting the primary care they needed.  Indians would rather treat themselves at home, with naturopathic or Aruvedic medicine or an antibiotic they picked up at a pharmacy without a prescription, than go to a doctor.  With this pattern comes many late presentations of disease.  This problem is sure to get worse with the increasing levels of diabetes, and this does not seem to be being addressed as of now.

Having soaked in the sites, sounds, smells, and tastes of a country as large and busy as India gives me a great perspective on the rest of the world.  Almost 1/6^th of the world’s people are on the subcontinent, and I have gained confidence after living how that huge chunk of the world lives.  Like any time I leave the USA, I am reminded of the incredible luxuries that we have here.  Potable water, roads that aren’t littered with garbage, potholes, cows, and unbelievably bad traffic, and decent access to health care.  Also my freedom as a woman and as an American are something I take for granted.  I was disappointed to see women not usually being treated as equals, and I constantly heard about the corruption of the government with attitudes of hopelessness to change.  But I will never forget the kindness I and incredible selflessness I witnessed by my mentors, my hosts, and even strangers in India.  Also there is great beauty in everything in India, from the temples, the delicious food, and the smells of jasmine and incense burning.  This global health experience has enriched my education in medicine and human rights, and also personally enriched my life.  

By Robin Reister

Medical Student

MEDI 7003 Reflective Essay

UTHSCSA

Forget yourself for others, and others will never forget you.

4th Annual National Essay Competition 2011 : World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD)

On occasion of 6^th Annual World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) 15^th June 2011 Silver Inning Foundation a NGO working with senior citizens and their family members in association with INPEA (International Network for Prevention of Elder Abuse) Indian Chapter through Development, Welfare and Research Foundation (DWARF) and 'Little Things Matter Initiatives' (LTMI); SSS Global; FESCOM (Mumbai) ; 1298 Senior Citizens Helpline, Mumbai; AISCCON  & Harmony for Silvers Foundation will be commemorating Elder Abuse Awareness Day from on May 20^th to June 20^th 2011 . It has taken the initiative to create awareness among civil society and Government to eliminate elder abuse at both micro and macro level.

SILVER INNING FOUNDATION invites an Essay of maximum 2000 words in following category and topics:

1)    For all age group:

Can Elder abuse be prevented, if not eliminated? If yes how? If no why not?

2)    For School Students - Class 5^th to class 10^th:

Grandparents are the best Friends

3)    For Students - 1^st year College to Post graduation :

Youth are important link towards Elderly friendly society       

What is Elder Abuse?

Elder abuse is an under-recognized problem with devastating and even life-threatening consequences. Elder abuse is often defined as a single, or repeated act, or lack of appropriate action, occurring within any relationship where there is an ‘expectation of trust’ which causes harm or distress to an older person.

Types of Elder Abuse:

1. Physical abuse
2. Sexual abuse
3. Emotional or psychological abuse
4. Financial or material exploitation
5. Neglect
6. Abandonment
7. Self-neglect

All of us know that we will be elders one day and join the ever increasing percentage of senior citizens in the global population! And yet some of us continue to show gross indifference and disrespect to our elders in our own families and in the society! Each of us might have countless reasons, logics and excuses for this behavior but this could be due to a combination of many problems. Let us try to put into a right perspective these various problems and what we could do to keep our elders happy.

Remember, by helping our elders stay physically fit and mentally happy, we are only helping ourselves and our future. If we fail to give proper care and respect to our elders at home now we will get the same ugly treatment from our children later on in our lives!

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day 15^th June ,programme aims to increase society's ability, through various programmes to recognize and respond to the mistreatment of older people in whatever setting it occurs, so that the latter years of life will be free from abuse, neglect and exploitation.

Prizes:

The First (1^st) best in each category will be given Prize of Rs.500/- by Indian cheque only, to each 1^st winner and Certificate.

The Three (3) best essays in each category will be given Certificate each and their essay will be published on Blogs: http://peopleforsocialcause.blogspot.com/ ; http://silverinnings.blogspot.com/  and best Ten (10) in each category, with India postal address will be given Participation Certificate.

  

All the essays will be property of and used by Silver Inning Foundation as database/Talk / Reference / Lecture / Book/ Paper presentation for its strategy to Tackle Elder Abuse and issues of Elderly. The verdict of management of Silver Inning Foundation & Silver Innings for selection of best essay will be final.

Silver Inning Foundation consists of a dedicated team of professionals contributing to the cause of the elderly. Silver Inning Foundation conducts seminars, camps, lectures, awareness modules, advocacy, networking, Dementia management services and also has support groups for home based advice. At Silver Innings we are working towards creating Elder Friendly World where Ageing becomes a Positive and Rewarding Experience.

The Last date for submission of Essay is 20^th June 2011.

Email your essay with complete Postal Address, Telephone Number and Date of Birth on or before 20^th June 2011 to info@silverinnings.com and copy to silverinnings@gmail.com . Only soft copy by email i.e. email entries will only be accepted for this competition.

The winners will be announced online by email after 15^th July 2011. For further information please call on Tel no. 09987104233 – Monday to Friday 10am to 5pm.

Terms and Condition:

• Essay should not be more than 2000 words
• Essay should only be in English language
• Essay should be sent by Email only (soft copy only)
• No hard copy will be accepted
• It’s open to all Indian Residence / POI / NRI
• People from other country can also participate, but they will not be part of competition and they will be given virtual participation certificate.

This Programme is supported INPEA (International Network for Prevention of Elder Abuse) Indian Chapter through Development, Welfare and Research Foundation (DWARF) and 'Little Things Matter Initiatives' (LTMI); SSS Global; FESCOM (Mumbai) ; 1298 Senior Citizens Helpline, Mumbai; AISCCON  & Harmony for Silvers Foundation

Together, we all have the power to prevent elder abuse

My World…  Your World…Our World…Free of Elder Abuse

Forget yourself for others, and others will never forget you.

NGO’s plan state-wide agitation for the elderly

The joint action committee (JAC)formed by 23 organizations which work for the welfare of senior citizens in Maharashtra/Mumbai will be going on state-wide agitation from June 2011, against the non-implementation of 1999 National Policy of Older Person, (NPOP). The NPOP extends support to the elderly in the form of financial security, healthcare, shelter, welfare and other such needs.

“We are protesting against the continuous neglect and ignorance exhibited by both the central and the state government, despite giving to them our demands in writing. If our issues are not acknowledged, then we’ll be going go on a state-wide agitation in June 15^th starting World Elder Abuse Day,” said Sailesh Mishra, coordinator of JAC & founder-president of Silver Inning Foundation (SIF).

Activists have claimed that has been no support or funds from the government, agencies, or corporate sector for the elderly, in the state that has around one crore senior citizens (60 +), out of which 66 per cent are poor, while 90 per cent lack social or health security. They further asserted that in the 2011-12 state budget the government has conveniently ignored the implementation of those policies which it had deemed as vital for the welfare of the elderly.

In the current central budget, provisions have been made for senior citizens in taxation and Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme, with an increment for 80+ among other benefits, which the committee feels are not enough.

“Very few of our demands have been met. Last year, we had submitted a memorandum to Minister of State for Housing& Social Justice , Sachin Ahir, apprising him of the problems the elderly have to face due to the non-implementation of NPOP, but no action has been taken till date,” added Mishra.

He added, “Senior citizens need multi-service/disciplinary day care centres across major cities and towns in the country. The government should make provisions so that all the municipal corporations and panchayats provide day care and recreation centres across the state.”

The committee has also asked for health insurance and representation of schemes like Shravan Bal Yojana, Indira Gandhi Niradhar Bhoomiless, Vidhawa Mahila Anudan Yojana, etc., for allotting pension to senior citizens who are poor. Similarly, the organizations supporting JAC have also demanded a 50 per cent concession for the elderly across the state and city transport buses and an ultra modern special geriatric ward in district and municipal hospitals. “Free homes for destitute should be constructed in all districts in the state, and a comprehensive policy should be declared on Dementia and Alzheimer's,” said Sailesh.

Some of the demands of the joint action committee:

• Declaration of State Policy for Senior Citizens, which the committee has claimed is lying unimplemented since 2002
• Formation of State Council of Senior Citizens and Commission, under the Chairmanship of the Minister of Social Justice for effective promotion and coordination of the concerns of senior citizens
• Establishment of multi-service day care centres, so that they can be utilized in social activities and for improvement in physical and mental health of the elderly

Source: http://www.afternoondc.in/city-news/ngos-plan-state-wide-agitation-for-the-elderly/article_21535

 

Monday, April 04, 2011

By Adnan Attarwala ,Afternoon Despatch & Courier , Mumbai , India

Forget yourself for others, and others will never forget you.