The government is gearing up to celebrate the International Day of Older Persons (IDOP) on Tuesday, initiating a series of activities throughout the month to enhance the welfare of senior citizens. Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment, Dr. Virendra Kumar, will lead the celebrations in New Delhi, with Minister of State B.L. Verma attending as the guest of honour. The month-long program will focus on the theme of intergenerational bonding, emphasizing the importance of respect and care for older individuals. As part of the initiative, the ministry plans to launch the Senior Citizen Welfare Portal, which will serve as a comprehensive resource for various schemes and policies aimed at supporting the elderly. A significant cultural event titled "Celebrating Graceful Ageing: Life Begins at 60" is scheduled for October 24, featuring performances by artists aged 70 and above. This event will celebrate active ageing, intergenerational solidarity, and traditional Indian values of care and respect. On October 1, a pledge-taking ceremony will take place at an educational institution in New Delhi, alongside the distribution of aid to senior citizens in attendance. Moreover, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment will host Rashtriya Vayoshree Camps at 51 locations across India to provide assistive devices that will improve mobility and enhance the well-being of senior citizens. Collaboration with other ministries, including Women and Child Development, Education, Rural Development, and Tourism, has been encouraged to organize initiatives focusing on senior citizen welfare, particularly in rural areas. The National Institute of Social Defence will also launch a talk series on October 16, discussing crucial topics such as the rights of senior citizens and the significance of healthy ageing. In addition, the government has introduced a quiz and pledge campaign on the MyGov platform to raise awareness among young people and foster their commitment to elderly welfare. The month-long celebration will conclude with a grand finale event in New Delhi at the end of October. Rising Power: India Surpasses Japan in Asia Power Index 2024 India Expands Digital Payments Reach to Africa and South America