Udupi Hosts Sports and Cultural Competitions for Senior Citizens
Udupi, Sept 4, 2024: Senior citizens continue to live as role models for the younger generation, and it is the duty of every youth to make the twilight years of our elders more comfortable, said Udupi Deputy Commissioner Dr. K. Vidya Kumari.
She was speaking at the World Senior Citizens Day celebration, organized at Ajjarkadu District Stadium, jointly hosted by the district administration, Zilla Panchayat, the Department of Women and Child Development, the Department of Empowerment of Differently-Abled and Senior Citizens, Health Department, Police Department, District Legal Services Authority, Youth Empowerment and Sports Department, Dr. G. Shankar Government Women’s First Grade College and Post-Graduate Study Center, senior citizens’ associations, the District Women’s Federation, old age homes, and Canara Bank’s regional office in Manipal.
The event began with the symbolic inauguration of sports and cultural competitions, where Dr. Vidya Kumari launched the activities by tossing a ball into a bucket.
Addressing the gathering, she emphasized the importance of raising awareness about social and financial security for senior citizens, as well as creating a positive environment for them.
“Participation in events at the stadium brings a sense of joy to the elderly, along with opportunities for social interaction, which in turn boosts their enthusiasm for life. With the mindset that age only affects the body, not the spirit, every senior citizen should engage in such activities,” she added.
District Legal Services Authority Member Secretary M. Purushotham highlighted the social responsibility of respecting senior citizens. He urged that elderly individuals should not be neglected and should be supported to live their old age with dignity.
During the event, several sports and cultural competitions were held for senior citizens, including musical chairs, brisk walking, and ball-throwing into buckets. Cultural competitions included singing and monologue performances. A health check-up for the elderly was also conducted.
Lead Bank Manager Harish G., Women and Child Development Department District Program Officer Anuradha Hadimane, District Women’s Federation President Sarala Kanchan, Brahmavar Senior Citizens’ Forum President Uday Kumar, and officials from various departments were present.
District Senior Citizens’ Association President Vishwanath Hegde welcomed the gathering. Ganapathi Ekkaru compered the program, and District Differently-Abled Welfare Officer Ratna delivering the vote of thanks.
