To mark the International Day of Older Persons (October 1), the HelpAge India State branch with the help of the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment organised an Intergenerational Walkathon here on Wednesday to promote healthy and active ageing and intergenerational bonding in the society.
The walkathon was flagged off by Minister of Tourism and Culture Ashok Panda at Ram Mandir Square in the city. Minister Panda conveyed his hearty congratulations to the senior citizens and all others who have assembled here to participate in the walkathon.
Among others, Satyabadi MlA Uma Samantaray, former MlA Dillip Srichandan, Olympian Anuradha Biswal, film producer Rabi Swain, cine artists Ansuman Samantaray, Rajesh Behera and more than 500 senior citizens, students, youth, social activist and media personnel joined the walkathon.
“On the International Day of Older Persons, we should try to acknowledge the significant roles the elderly play in our society and bringing the issues that affect them to the forefront,” said HelpAge India State head Rashmi Mohanty.
The theme for signature campaign this year identified by HelpAge India was ‘Active Ageing’. The Slogan was ‘Elders Get Active! Elders Stay Active!