The Haryana Government has invited applications from individuals and institutions under the scheme ‘State Awards for the Welfare of Senior Citizens’ for the year 2017-18.
Under this, the centenarian award would be given to renowned individuals who were above ninety years of age and were still physically active, independent and contributing to the society. To claim the award, the individual should have rendered exemplary services for the betterment of the community and society at large, said a spokesman of Social Justice and Empowerment Department.
He said that the individual who have fought against social evils and for freedom of nation, and have ongoing commitment especially for cause of elderly or other marginalised sections of the society, can claim the award. His or her contribution should have wide recognition from the society, should possess reasonable good health and still actively participate for social causes.
The Best Mother Award would be given to senior citizen women who in the face of great odds, brought up their children and supported them in being high achievers while the Courage and Bravery Award would be given to a senior citizen who has displayed exemplary courage in the face of grave danger. One award each is proposed for male and female sportsperson as sub-categories.
Similarly, the Best Panchayat Award would be given to the District Panchayat, which has done outstanding work for senior citizens. To claim the award, the District Panchayat should have made exemplary contribution in the field of health, counselling, legal aid, awareness, institutional and non-institutional programmes for elderly, and played significant role in the empowerment of elder people at the village level.
The spokesman said that the lifetime Achievement Award would be given to senior citizens, preferably above seventy years, who have made significant contributions to society, especially for the elderly.
To claim the award, the senior citizen should have worked for the upliftment and betterment of the lives of elderly in society and have outstanding achievement in the field of education or research or publication and work performance, said he.
The Senior Painter Award, Senior Sculpture Award, Senior Practicing Musician or Singer Award and Senior Practicing Dance Award would be given to the winners of National or International acclaim for their contribution to literature, theatre, cinema, music, dance, painting, sculpture and photography, and who continue to be active in their field well into their old age.
The interested individuals and institutions may apply along with complete data as well as details and evidences of achievement to the concerned District Social Welfare Office of their district along with all enclosures before November 10, the spokesman said.
A person who has received an award in previous three years would not be eligible for re-nomination of the award. Decision of jury will be final and no correspondence would be entertained in this regard, he added.