HelpAge India, in collaboration with the Social and Tribal Welfare Department of UT Ladakh and the District Legal Service Authority (DLSA), celebrated International Day of Older Persons on October 1 at Leh Elders Village, HelpAge India, Shey. The event was themed “Towards the Society for All Ages: Unlocking Opportunities.”

The celebration was graced by Principal District and Sessions Judge Leh/Chairman of DLSA, Manoj Parihar, as the Chief Guest, and Director of Social and Tribal Welfare Department, UT Ladakh, Tashi Dolma (JKAS), as the Guest of Honour. Guest speakers included Advocate Nima Stanzin from District Legal Aid and Defense Services, District Court Leh, Dr. Yangchan Dolma, Assistant Professor in the Department of Social Work at EJM College, University of Leh, and Ali Akbar, a representative of the Pensioner Association, Leh.

In his speech, Principal District and Sessions Judge Manoj Parihar lauded the efforts made by HelpAge India to transform Ladakh into an elder-friendly region. He praised the excellent amenities provided to the residents of the Leh Elders Village Old Age Home and highlighted the importance of the Senior Citizen Act of 2007 and the Maintenance of Parents as key legal protections for senior citizens. He also supported HelpAge India, offering assistance through DLSA Leh.

Tashi Dolma, Director of the Social and Tribal Welfare Department, UT Ladakh, spoke about the significance of government welfare schemes such as the Old Age Pension and the National Programme for Healthcare of the Elderly. She shared that the programme will include the creation of Senior Citizen Health Cards and the provision of AB PM JAY benefits for all elderly people over 70. Additionally, she assured that the department is working on a new State Policy for Elderly People, which will be implemented soon.

Representatives from the Pensioner Association Leh also shared their insightful thoughts during the event. The highlight of the celebration was a performance by the KKT music band, which inspired senior citizens to get up and dance.

Students from various schools, including Druk Padma Karpo School, Lamdon School Shey, and Siddhartha High School Stok, participated in the event, making it a vibrant and engaging occasion.