HT Bureau
GUWAHATI, Dec 3: The Progressive Peoples Foundation (PPF) Guwahati orchestrated a remarkable Senior Citizens’ Meet on December 3, 2023, bringing together 75 seniors from diverse backgrounds.
As per an official statement, chaired by Jiyauddin Choudhury, the event delved into crucial issues affecting senior citizens and saw the establishment of the PPF Guwahati Elders Forum, a dedicated initiative aimed at addressing the unique needs of the elderly.
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Advocate Abu Yousuf Choudhury set the tone for the event with a warm welcome address, outlining the objectives of the gathering. On the other hand, Mashuk Ahmad Laskar, during his presentation, shed light on the various activities undertaken by PPF to support the elderly community. Acting as the moderator, advocate Mehbubul Hassan Laskar ensured a structured and engaging discussion.
“The Senior Citizens’ Meet emerged as a platform for open dialogue, fostering connections among the elderly and providing insights into the challenges they face. The formation of the PPF Guwahati Elders Forum marks a significant step towards enhancing the well-being of senior citizens in the region, reflecting PPF’s commitment to community service,” the statement added.
Hafiz Rashid Ahmed Choudhury, senior advocate Gauhati High Court discussed the legal rights of senior citizens, including social security benefits, protection against fraud, and healthcare rights, partition of immovable property, will, protection against physical, emotional, and financial.
Besides this, Deep Bhowmik, branch manager, HDFC Bank shared expertise on financial planning, investment management, and income generation for financial independence. While Safiur Rahman Saikia, retired chief engineer PHE highlighted the strategies for coping with loneliness and isolation by senior citizens, emphasizing hobbies, social circles, and part-time engagements.
Dr Ferdaus Ahmed Barbhuiya, dean IIIT Guwahati discussed the adoption of technology for improved living, emphasizing the use of social media, smart devices, and other technologies.
Health and wellness were addressed by Dr Monwar Hussain, cardiologist, and Dr Yogiraj Das, president, NERIGAME focusing on preventive medical management, emergency medical care, and overall health guidelines. Dr Das also assured of extending support to PPF recommended patients, the statement said.
Prof Usha Ranjan Bhattacharjee spoke about social engagement, emphasizing community activities, outdoor events, and group exercises. Bhaskar Sharma from VISION SPRING highlighted the facilities to be extended to PPF recommended eye patients.
In the said meet, Rafique Ahmed Laskar, vice chairman of PPF unveiled a roadmap for PPF’s service to senior citizens and informed that a number of organisations will come forward to support PPF for the same.
“PPF also outlined a roadmap to serve senior citizens of Guwahati, including the creation of the PPF senior citizens forum, issuance of PPF ID cards, emergency medical care management, collaboration with hospitals, and various other welfare initiatives,” the statement said further.
The foundation further expressed its commitment to addressing emotional, social, and wellness needs, providing services such as health check-ups, psychological counseling, legal support, and rehabilitation for lonely seniors.
PPF also planned to create a social network for senior citizens, encouraging regular social visits, arranging gatherings, and facilitating the exchange of experiences.
“Future initiatives include sensitizing police personnel on the safety and security of older persons, exploring the possibility of opening an old age home and implementing services suggested by senior citizens,” the statement added.
It is worth mentioning that the senior citizens’ meet showcased a collective effort to empower and support the elderly, reflecting PPF’s dedication to enhancing the well-being of the senior community in Guwahati.
In his concluding remarks, Jiyauddin hoped that the formation of PPF Guwahati Elders’ Forum would serve the needs of the elders and that the road map prepared would go a long way to fulfil PPF’s Commitments to serve the society.
On the occasion, PPF also felicitated all the senior members with a ‘Gamucha’ and a senior most citizen- Abdus Sattar Choudhury (84 years) with a ‘Shawl’.
PPF also handed over a total of 30 sweaters to Anita Roy and others who attended the meet from old age home at Sijubari, Guwahati.
At last, Sultan Uddin Ahmed offered the vote of thanks.
The Progressive Peoples Foundation is a Guwahati-based non-profit organization (Trust) committed to addressing the diverse needs of communities and empowering individuals through various welfare and developmental initiatives.
