Imphal: The Government of Manipur observed the International Day of Older Persons 2026 on Thursday with events held across the state. Functions were organised at the City Convention Centre in Imphal and Phungyar Block in Kamjong district.
Social Welfare Commissioner Haobam Roshita, IAS, was the chief guest at the Imphal event. She said there was a growing need to support older persons amid rapid societal changes.
She said elderly people should be treated with affection, patience, and companionship so they can lead dignified lives.
Roshita also called for a new policy framework to improve the welfare of older persons. She urged collective action to turn the day’s pledges into meaningful initiatives instead of keeping them as ceremonial commitments.
Guest of honour and retired Social Welfare Director S. Saratkumar Sharma recalled his past association with department initiatives and called for dedicated healthcare policies tailored to the needs of senior citizens.
Social Welfare Director Sheikh Abdul Hakim, MCS, presided over the main function. He said the department currently supports around 1,07,000 old-age pension card holders and oversees 42 senior citizen homes across Manipur.
He drew attention to the toll-free helpline, 14567, and urged elderly people facing difficulties to lodge complaints for prompt departmental action. The Imphal event concluded with a Khongjom Eshei performance and gift presentations.
The District Social Welfare Office and District Administration of Kamjong jointly organised an observance at Ramrei Community Hall. Around 100 senior citizens, including village headmen, attended the programme.
It featured interactive sessions on healthcare accessibility, financial security, and social isolation.
Similar awareness programmes and gift distributions were also held in various villages in the Phungyar and Kasom Khullen blocks.