BBAU Organises Programme on International Day of Older Persons: Initiative to Promote Dialogue and Engagement between Senior Citizens and Youth

Lucknow: Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University (BBAU), Lucknow, organised a programme on October 1 on the occasion of the International Day of Older Persons. The programme was jointly organised by the Centre for Studies on Social Inclusion, BBAU and the 2nd Innings Senior Citizens Club. Dr. Rajeshwar Singh, Hon’ble MLA from Sarojini Nagar attended the programme as the Chief Guest. The programme was presided over by the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Raj Kumar Mittal. Mr. Sudhir Gupta, Chief General Manager, Indian Bank, Dr. Ajay Shankar Tripathi, Prof. Amit Gupta, Apollo Hospital, Mr. Atul Dubey, Founder, 2nd Innings Senior Citizens Club, Prof. Jaya Shrivastava, Programme Coordinator and Director, Centre for Studies on Social Inclusion, BBAU, Ms. Babita and Mr. Saurabh Sinha, Cluster Head, Bandhan Bank were also present on the dais. The programme commenced with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp and floral tributes to the portrait of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar. After this, the organising committee welcomed the dignitaries on the dais by presenting them with bouquets as a gesture of respect and gratitude. At the beginning, Mr. Atul Dubey welcomed all the persons present in the program and gave outline of the program.

The Chief Guest and Hon’ble MLA, Dr. Rajeshwar Singh, in his address, assured the senior citizens that every possible effort would be made to address their concerns and needs so that they do not face any inconvenience. He shared details of various initiatives being undertaken for the development of the Sarojini Nagar Assembly constituency and stated that education has always been accorded priority in the area, as positive transformation in society can be brought about through education. He informed that, under CSR initiatives, digital libraries have been established in more than 70 schools across the Sarojini Nagar Assembly constituency, enabling students to access modern and quality educational resources. He also highlighted other welfare initiatives being undertaken in the constituency, including the ‘Tara Shakti Silai Kendra’ and the ‘Sarojini Nagar Sports League’. He emphasized that dialogue and participation among people of different age groups are essential for the holistic development of society. On the occasion, he encouraged students to connect with senior citizens, learn from their experiences, and develop meaningful and cordial relationships with them. He said that the experience of senior citizens, combined with the energy of the younger generation, can play an important role in building a stronger and more compassionate society.
Extending greetings and best wishes to everyone on the occasion of the International Day of Older Persons, BBAU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Raj Kumar Mittal said that the strength of Indian culture lies in its strong family system and the close emotional bonds shared across generations. He said that Indian culture has traditionally accorded a position of respect to senior citizens, recognising them as guides who carry valuable experience, knowledge and life values. This rich cultural heritage and tradition of family values give India a distinctive identity before the world. Prof. Mittal observed that changing lifestyles and employment conditions have resulted in many senior citizens experiencing loneliness. In such circumstances, the youth and students have a responsibility to establish meaningful communication with senior citizens, understand their experiences and extend social and emotional support to them. He said that if a spiritually and culturally rich country like India is to move towards the goal of a developed India while preserving its cultural heritage, the younger generation must become more sensitive towards its social responsibilities. Regular social interaction between students and senior citizens will not only help reduce loneliness among the elderly but will also connect young people with valuable life experiences, traditions and human values. Prof. Mittal further stated that when young people come forward to understand social challenges and contribute towards addressing them, it will give meaningful impetus to the vision of building a society based on harmony, equality and fraternity, as envisioned by Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar.
Programme Coordinator and Director of the Centre for Studies on Social Inclusion, BBAU, Prof. Jaya Srivastava highlighted various social concerns and said that in the present scenario, young people are increasingly moving to other cities and countries in search of employment, education and better career opportunities. As a result, many senior citizens are living away from their families and facing loneliness. She said that the growing isolation among senior citizens in urban settings is not merely an emotional concern but also an important challenge related to social connectedness and community participation. Discussing the role of the Centre for Studies on Social Inclusion, Prof. Srivastava said that taking every section of society along and promoting dialogue between different generations are important steps towards strengthening social inclusion. Through this initiative, university students will get an opportunity to understand the life experiences, struggles and learnings of senior citizens, while senior citizens will have an opportunity to interact with young people and experience a sense of companionship, participation and belonging. She said that such initiatives can help bridge the gap between generations and contribute significantly to building a sensitive, inclusive and mutually supportive society.
On the occasion, BBAU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Raj Kumar Mittal released the magazine ‘Saksham’ of the Second Innings Senior Citizens Club. The magazine contains detailed information about the activities, objectives and achievements of the club, along with an account of various initiatives being undertaken for and with senior citizens. During the programme, senior citizens presented a variety of cultural performances, showcasing their talent, enthusiasm and vibrant spirit.
Students of BBAU who took the initiative to associate with the Second Innings Senior Citizens Club and establish dialogue and meaningful relationships with senior citizens were felicitated on the occasion. Under this initiative, students and senior citizens will provide one another with emotional and social support and share companionship. The students who joined this initiative include Vidushi Saxena, Bhumika, Monika Chaudhary, Arun Singh, Salil Patel, Adarsh Kumar Tiwari, Nagendra Singh, Shivam Patel, Ashwani Verma and Pawan Baraik.
During the programme, various social organisations and schools were felicitated for their notable contribution to society and their work for the welfare of senior citizens. In addition, members of the club who have made outstanding and noteworthy contributions were also honoured. The contribution and significant role of women in society were also acknowledged, and women were felicitated as a mark of respect for their valuable contribution to the community.
Deans and Heads of various faculties and departments, members of the Second Innings Senior Citizens Club, senior citizens, research scholars and students were present during the programme.

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