Agartala, 30th October 2026 : A beautiful family and society can be built only through the human values and sense of responsibility upheld by every individual, Agartala Municipal Corporation Mayor and MLA Dipak Majumder said on Friday, emphasizing the need to ensure dignity, security and care for senior citizens.
He was speaking while inaugurating the state-level celebration of International Day of Older Persons 2026 at Dr. Syama Prasad Mukherjee Town Hall in Agartala, organised by the Department of Social Welfare and Social Education.
Addressing the gathering, Majumder said that protecting the rights of senior citizens requires more than enforcing laws and ensuring their access to government welfare schemes. It is equally important to develop family values and social awareness among their children and relatives so that elderly people receive proper care, respect and affection.
Despite increasingly busy lifestyles and professional commitments, family members must not neglect their humanitarian responsibilities towards elderly people, he said. Professional achievements alone cannot define an individual’s success; equal importance must be given to responsibilities towards family and society. He stressed that collective human values are essential for creating an environment in which senior citizens can lead healthy, secure and dignified lives.
Jayanti Debbarma, Chairperson of the Tripura Commission for Protection of Child Rights, was among those present at the programme.
Various aspects of government benefits, welfare schemes and the legal rights of senior citizens were discussed by West Tripura District Magistrate Dr. Vishal Kumar, Law Department Under Secretary Dipanwita Ganguly and Special Secretary of the Department of Social Welfare and Social Education Tapan Kumar Das. L. Ranchal, Director of the department, delivered the welcome address.
During the programme, four senior citizens from West Tripura district were honoured in different categories in recognition of their achievements and contributions. Budhurai Debbarma received recognition in the category of senior citizens aged 90 years and above. Retired engineer Nishith Bidyut Biswas was honoured for his professional career, while Sashim Acharya received the award in the creative arts category for individuals aged 60 and above. Sitesh Bhattacharjee was recognised for courage in the same age category.
The awards were presented by the Mayor and other distinguished guests.
In another initiative, three clubs were felicitated for undertaking special activities during this year’s Durga Puja to promote awareness about the rights and welfare of senior citizens. Representatives of Apnaghar, Sandhanir and Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Old Age Home were also honoured for their contributions.
Retired physician Ashok Majumdar spoke on behalf of the senior citizens, highlighting their concerns and the importance of ensuring their well-being and dignity.
