ITANAGAR, 1 Oct: Governor of Arunachal Pradesh K.T Parnaik flagged off a solo cycling expedition by Abhinav Singh from Lok Bhavan, Itanagar, on Thursday.

Singh has embarked on a challenging 3,000-km journey from Arunachal Pradesh to Gujarat, commencing on the International Day of Older Persons, in memory of his late grandparents.

Conveying his best wishes for the expedition, the Governor commended Singh for combining a personal tribute with a meaningful social message. He said such initiatives would inspire physical endurance and determination while also reminding society of its responsibility towards senior citizens, who are the custodians of family values, traditions and life experiences.

The Governor advised Singh to use the expedition as a platform to spread awareness about the importance of geriatric care and the need for greater sensitivity towards the elderly. He said that as India progresses towards becoming a developed nation, the well-being, dignity and security of senior citizens must remain a national priority.

Highlighting the changing social landscape, the Governor noted that rapid urbanisation and evolving family structures often leave many senior citizens vulnerable to loneliness, neglect and health challenges. He emphasised the need for stronger family bonds, community support systems and greater awareness of geriatric healthcare services to ensure healthy and fulfilling lives for older persons.

The Governor expressed hope that the expedition would inspire young people across the country to cherish and care for their parents and grandparents, strengthen inter-generational bonds and recognise the invaluable contribution of senior citizens to nation-building.

Vice-chancellor prof. (Dr.) K. Satya Lakshmi, registrar Dr. Prasant Roy, faculty members and students of Indira Gandhi Technological and Medical Sciences University were present on the occasion.