Seminar on theme “Elders Count / Elders Lead”
Centre for Public Health, Panjab University (PU) and HelpAge India today observed the International Day of Older Persons 2025 by hosting a seminar on the theme “Elders Count / Elders Lead” at the English Auditorium in the PU Sector-14 Campus. The event also marked the launch of HelpAge India’s national campaign “AdvantAge60: Powering Aspirations – Active, Enabled & Empowered”, celebrating the strength, resilience, and potential of India’s elderly population.
City Air News
Sep 30, 2025 09:00
0
Chandigarh, September 30, 2025: Centre for Public Health, Panjab University (PU) and HelpAge India today observed the International Day of Older Persons 2025 by hosting a seminar on the theme “Elders Count / Elders Lead” at the English Auditorium in the PU Sector-14 Campus. The event also marked the launch of HelpAge India’s national campaign “AdvantAge60: Powering Aspirations – Active, Enabled & Empowered”, celebrating the strength, resilience, and potential of India’s elderly population.
Chief Guest Prof. Dr Yojna Rawat, Dean University Instruction, Panjab University, addressed the gathering and emphasised the importance of recognising the aspirations of senior citizens. She noted that it is vital to build an enabling environment across policy, workplaces, and communities so that elders are seen not as dependents, but as contributing members of society.
Distinguished guests included PU Registrar Prof. Yajvender Pal Verma; Centre for Public Health Chairperson Dr Manoj Kumar; and Centre for Social Work Chairperson Prof. Monika M. Singh. Representing HelpAge India were Mr Kamal Sharma, Deputy Director, Ms Aarti, and Mr Ashok Patiyal, along with other officials.
In his remarks, Dr Manoj Kumar highlighted the call to action embedded in the campaign. He said that meaningful channels must be created for elders to apply their lifelong learning, wisdom, and skills, and that age should not become a barrier but be reimagined as a stage filled with renewed purpose and possibilities.
Kamal Sharma from HelpAge India added that training, skilling, and healthcare are critical to empowering elders. He stressed that systemic change is required in how elder needs are approached, so that society can add life to their years and not just years to their life.
The seminar saw the participation of nearly 180 senior citizens and students from Panjab University, strengthening vibrant dialogue on how to integrate elders more meaningfully into society.
