Senior citizens invaluable asset to society: Sat Sharma

Jammu, Oct 21: J&K BJP President and Rajya Sabha Member Sat Sharma (CA) participated in the programme organised on the occasion of International Senior Citizens Day at Padmashri Padma Sachdev Government College for Women, Gandhi Nagar, Jammu, in collaboration with RRTC and DSW, Cluster University of Jammu.
On the occasion, Sat Sharma shared his views on the dignity, rights, welfare and social security of senior citizens, emphasising that the elderly are an invaluable asset to society whose lifelong contributions, sacrifices, wisdom and experience have played a significant role in shaping families, communities and the nation.
Addressing the gathering, Sat Sharma stressed that respecting senior citizens must go beyond symbolic gestures and should be reflected in concrete efforts to protect their rights, address their concerns and ensure that they lead a dignified, secure and fulfilling life. He observed that the manner in which society treats its elders reflects its moral values, social responsibility and commitment to human dignity. He underlined that the welfare of senior citizens is not merely a social obligation but a collective responsibility requiring the active participation of families, communities, civil society organisations and government institutions. He called for greater awareness regarding the challenges faced by elderly people, including social isolation, financial insecurity, healthcare needs and the importance of emotional support.
Emphasising the importance of welfare-oriented governance, Sat Sharma called for sustained efforts to safeguard the rights and interests of senior citizens. He stressed the need to strengthen support systems, improve awareness about government welfare schemes and ensure that elderly people can access the benefits and services intended for their well-being. He further observed that senior citizens deserve not only respect and recognition but al o security, care and meaningful participation in society. Their experience and guidance, he said, remain invaluable in shaping the younger generation, strengthening family bonds and preserving the cultural and social values that form the foundation of the nation.
Sat Sharma also emphasised the importance of fostering a culture in which younger generations understand their responsibilities towards the elderly. He noted that senior citizens should never feel neglected, isolated or deprived of dignity, particularly during the later stages of their lives when care, companionship and social support become increasingly important. The programme provided an important platform to deliberate on the concerns and aspirations of senior citizens and to reinforce the need for collective action towards their welfare. Such initiatives help generate public awareness, encourage dialogue and highlight the importance of building an inclusive society where the rights and dignity of elderly people are protected.
Concluding his remarks, Sat Sharma reiterated that ensuring respect, care, security and a dignified life for senior citizens must remain a shared social commitment. He called upon all sections of society to recognise the invaluable contributions of the elderly and work collectively towards creating an environment where their voices are heard, their rights are protected and their later years are marked by dignity, compassion and inclusion.
“Respecting our senior citizens is not merely a tradition; it is our responsibility towards those whose sacrifices, wisdom and contributions have helped shape our families, society and nation,” he said.