Correspondent
PASIGHAT, 21 Aug: The East Siang district unit of the Arunachal Pradesh Service Pensioners Association (APSPA) on Friday honoured their senior members and recently retired officials from different government offices with traditional attire and mementos on the occasion of the World Senior Citizen's Day.
Those who were honoured in the programme, held at a resort here, included retired officials of civil administration, Health, Forest and Education Departments.
The celebration started with a floral tribute to the portrait of former United States president Ronald Reagan, who initiated the global celebration in order to honour senior citizens.
Addressing the occasion, APSPA's president and retired elementary education director Bodong Yirang said the pensioners are "still serving the society out of the government offices and showing the right path to younger generations."
He recalled that the association adopted three primary schools in the district "and accordingly developed school infrastructure with increased teaching-learning facilities in the adopted schools."
APSPA general secretary Dr Onik Moyong said that the day is celebrated to honour senior citizens for their achievements and contributions towards the society. He said the association has been taking up problems of its members with the authorities concerned.
Other speakers at the programme included retired director of research Batem Pertin, retired joint director of health services Dr T Tali, retired ADC Obang Dai, Tarik Mize, and Bompang Tayeng.
The pensioners' association later held a meeting and reviewed its activities in the last one year.
The activities include renovation of school buildings of the adopted primary schools in Langko, Sika-Tode and Tekang, renovation of the abandoned teacher's barrack in Sika-Tode, extension of classrooms in Lango and Sika-Tode primary schools, and construction of a midday meal shed in Tekang, besides supplying almirah and learning materials to the adopted schools.
The APSPA's members unanimously resolved to continue their social welfare services with the support of the newly enrolled members.
A melodious presentation by old Adi artist Boken Panggeng was a special attraction of the celebration.
Meanwhile, Ayi: Ke Ekum, an NGO established in May 2023, celebrated World Senior Citizens Day at the IGJ Government Higher Secondary School auditorium here on Friday, with focus on honouring the dignity, wisdom and contributions of senior citizens.
Welcoming the gathering, Tigul Megu spoke about the vision behind Ayi: Ke Ekum, a platform where senior citizens above 70 years can spend quality time together, share experiences and overcome loneliness.
She highlighted that "wisdom comes with age and experience," adding that the stories and values of elders' shape society and guide future generations.
As part of the celebration, senior citizens presented Ka:do Ponnung, an age-old cultural song, adding a traditional touch to the occasion.
Pasighat East MLA Tapi Darang, who attended the event, appreciated the initiative of Ayi: Ke Ekum and its members for creating a welcoming space for senior citizens. He observed that loneliness is one of the greatest challenges faced by elderly people, and stressed that society has a collective responsibility to ensure that senior citizens live their later years with happiness, dignity and companionship.
He also presented gifts to senior citizens who recorded the highest attendance at the centre.
ICDS Deputy Director MT Padung commended the founders and members of Ayi: Ke Ekum for their thoughtful initiative. Emphasising the importance of elders in society, she said, "When the roots are strong, the branches flourish," and urged senior citizens to share their knowledge and life experiences with younger generations. She described elders as the pillars of society and said that reaching old age is a blessing, as it allows one to witness generations of family and life. (With DIPRO input)
