Chief minister Tarun Gogoi with freedom fighter and journalist Shiva Prasad Baruah at Srimanta Sankaradeva Kalakshetra on Wednesday. Picture by Eastern Projections

Oct. 1: The celebration of World Elderly Day in the city today was more than just a felicitation programme for those who have reached the twilight of their lives.

Chief minister Tarun Gogoi announced Dispur’s plan to create facilities for senior citizens, soon after felicitating four eminent elderly citizens at Srimanta Sankaradeva Kalakshetra.

Those felicitated were educationist and former minister Kamal Kumari Barua, the chief of Kasturba Gandhi Ashram, Guwahati, Sakuntala Choudhury, author Shiva Prasad Barua and former district judge Bholaram Das who have made significant contributions to Assamese society.

The programme was organised by the Guwahati Senior Citizens’ Association and the social welfare department.

“Being the chief minister, I am duty bound to create facilities that will ensure a dignified life for those who have made sacrifices and contributed towards building a good society and to provide them socio-psychological comforts,” Gogoi said.

The “facilities” include setting up of public parks exclusively for elderly citizens, an old age home and a geriatric hospital.

Hinting at the creation of a geriatric ward at the Gauhati Medical College and Hospital, Gogoi said his government was planning to introduce a pension scheme for the elderly, particularly those belonging to the below poverty line (BPL) category.

Kamaleswar Bora, the former vice-chancellor of Dibrugarh University and president of the association, said Gogoi’s speech had brought smiles to the faces of senior citizens. “One of the many problems faced by elderly citizens, particularly in cities, is a fear of crime as many of them stay alone. Setting up of old age homes will help solve the problem,” he added.

Social welfare minister Akon Bora said his department was chalking out a plan to implement a special scheme for elderly citizens.

Former registrar of Gauhati University Mahesh Bhuyan said the World Elderly Day was an occasion to discuss the problems faced by the elderly citizens at the fag end of their lives. “We have lived life fully. We only need a little love and care,” he added.

Arif Ahmed, a retired Assam Civil Service officer, said the day was significant for him. “On this day, I try to meet or talk to aged people in different corners of the globe. The day reminds me of many who are growing old like me and spending time with or without their sons, daughters and grandchildren.”

Damodar Mahanta, a retired government official, was beaming with joy after Gogoi’s announcement.