Monday, June 3, 2013

List of Members-Privilege (3) and Patrons - Chief (36), Grand (36) and Others (224) = Total 297

PRIVILEGE MEMBERS -

PM-004

Dr. Aabha Chaudhary

B-33, Arya Nagar Aptt.,

91, I.P. Extension, Patparganj

Delhi 110 092

Mob.09868803299

e-mail –aabhachaudhary@gmail.com

PM-001

Smt. B. Seeta

1-1-710/1, Gandhi Nagar

Hyderabad 5000 080

Ph. 2761 1134

e-mail –

bskrishnarao@gmail.com

PM-002

Shri B.S. Krishna Rao

1-1-710/1, Gandhi Nagar

Hyderabad 5000 080

Ph. 2761 1134/Mob.09951276687

e-mail –

bskrishnarao@gmail.com

CHIEF PATRONS

CP/002

CP/011

CP/020

Smt. K.R. Khambadkone

Shri Dattatray T. Chaudhari

Shri Kanchansinh D. Thakore

M-3, Guruprasad Society

Plot No.135, Ganesh Colony,

2/462, Rustompura,

Hanuman Road, Vile Parle (E)

Khajamiya Road,

Dehalla Street

Mumbai 400 057

Jalgaon 425 001

Surat 395 002

CP/003

CP/012

CP/021

Shri Ramanbhai Shah

Shri Kaushal Kishor Jain

Shri Vidyadhar J. Padhye

36, Jeevanchhaya, LIC Colony

Mohanbari, Surajpol Gate

Shrivardhan

Paud Road

Jaipur 302 003

26, Siddhivinayak CHS

Pune 411 034

Indira Nagar

CP/014

Nashik 422 009

CP/004

Shri Devidas Pandurang Ikhar

Shri C.K. Mehta

A-501, Vijaygad CHS, Sector 25, Plot 5

CP/022

10-B, Bhaktawar

Nerul (East)

Shri Anantrao G. Gholap

Nariman Point

Navi Mumbai 400 706

"Rajas", Nr. Pushkar (LIC) Socy.

Mumbai 400 021

Behind Rathachakra & Bajarang

Ph. 022-24938497

CP/015

Indira Nagar

Shri Kumar C. Puranik

Nashik 422 009

CP/005

B-1, Shri Yeshawant CHS

Dr. A.F. Pinto

Barrister Nath Pai Nagar

CP/023

A-101, Ashoka Towers

Ghatkopar(East)

Shri Murlidhar M. Nikale

Kulup Wadi Rd., Borivli (East)

Mumbai 400 077

“Sandhya Chhaya”

Mumbai 400 066

Mob. 09969377597

At & Post Vinchur

Tal. Niphad 422305

CP/007

CP/016

Dist. Nashik

Dr. S.P Kinjawadekar

Shri Vinayak G. Thakur

Mob. 09322240178

B-8/601, "Kaveri",

C-904, Tulsi Prerana

Safal Complex

Sector 1, Khanda Colony

CP/024

Sector 19A, Nerul (East)

New Panvel (West) 410 206

Dr. Om Prakash Dwivedi

Navi Mumbai 400 706

Mob. 09892579632

Swami Shantanand Omnanda Saraswati

Mob. 09820639773

Pranav Adhyatma Shodh Science Niketan

e-mail –

CP/017

14, Pritam Vihar

drspkinj@gmail.com

Dr. Avinash Chandra

Pinto Park

D-103, Dara Enclave

Jadarura Kala

CP/008

Army Welfare Society

P.O. Murar

Shri D.N. Chapke

Sector 9, Nerul (East)

Gwalior 474 006

A-801, Neel Sidhi Splendour

Navi Mumbai 400 706

Mob. 9425312174

Sector 15, CBD, Belapur

Ph. 022-27714737

Navi Mumbai 400 614

CP/025

Mob. 09820021224

CP/018

Shri Laxman M. Mahajan

e-mail –

Shri Jaggubhai Belani

C/o Shri Pramod Mahajan

503, Angan Flats,

117, Tulip

CP/009

Makatamour Road

Parmar Garden

Shri N.V. Kodolikar

Bharuch 392 001, (Gujarat)

Near Kedari Petrol Pump

75/3, Kojagiri, Road No.6,

Wanowari, Pune 411 040

Dahanukar Colony, Kothrud

CP/019

Pune 411 038

Dr. Sugan Bhatia

CP/026

C-64, Silver Oak Apts.

Smt. T.V. Rama

CP/010

109, I.P. Extension

Tulasamma

Shri Paramesan Jayaram

Patparganj, Delhi 110092

3rd Lane, Ashok Nagar

A-401, Cottage Land,

Mob. 098112 25103

Guntur 520 002

Sector 19A, Nerul (East)

Andhra Pradesh

Navi Mumbai 400 706

Ph. 022-27724165

…

CP/027

CP/034

Shri T.P.R. Unny

Shri Y.V.S.R. Moorty

602/603, Madhuri Tower, Sector 6,

101 & 103, Braves Bhupathi Bhavan

Plot No. 1, Airoli

45-55-3/2, Abid Nagar

Navi Mumbai 400 708

Akkayya Palem

Visakhapatnam 530 016

CP/028

Andhra Pradesh

Sri U. Gregory Reddy

Ph. 0891-2549216/098495 91216

Secretary, St. Joseph Educational Society

e-mail:myechury@yahoo.com

& Principal, St. Joseph Public School

myechury@gmail.com

King Koti, Hyderabad

Tel. 040-2760 2342

CP/035

& Fax 040-23231221

Shri M.K. Patil

434, Bagwada Mulgao

CP/029

Near IOB

Shri Indravadan M. Desai

Assonora, Goa 403503

Main Road, Dunetha

Mob. 09423057854

Nani Daman 396 210

e-mail: mkpmulgoa@yahoo.com

CP/030

CP/036

Shri Balaram Padaji Mhatre

Shri N.N. Ingle

House No.1039, “Padmawadi”

Harsh Sankul, Navneet Stores

Siddhivinayak Farmhouse

Civil Lines, Akola 444 001

Opp. GaneshTemple

(Ph. 0724-2441555 / 98227 17199)

Sector 7, Koparkhairane

Navi Mumbai 400 709

CP/037

Mob. 09820900505

Shri Mohanlal Garg

C/o Shri P.S. Garg

CP/031

Tilak Marg

Shri Jayant V. Pandharipande

Neemuch (MP) 458441

17, Gayatri Nagar,

Opp.T.B.Dispensary,

CP/038

Kudwa Road

Dr. Alka Vyas

Gondia 441 641

20, Oak, Flat No.15, 8^th floor

Mayur Colony

CP/032

(Behind New Ajantha)

Ch. Venkata Rao

Kothrud, Pune 411038

49-53-9/5,

M : 09850277590

Flat 21, Bhavani Apartments-3

Balayya Sastry Layour

CP/013

Visakhapatnam 530013

Shri R.N. Mital

Andhra Prdesh

8-2-333/14a, Plot 200

Ph.0891-2537486

Road No.3, Banjara Hills

Hyderabad 500034

CP/033

Mob. 09052004913

Dr. Girish C. Gupta

e-mail –

Secretary General &

rnmital@gmail.com

Chief Functionary

Respect Age Intgernational

16, Panchratan Apartment

(Total 36 Chief Patrons as of

Pusdhpanjali tower

23^rd April, 2013)

Delhi Gate

Agra 282 002

Mob. 09720006360

…

GRAND PATRONS

GP/003

GP/015

GP/025

Shri Madhukar Shamrao Dange

Dr. Ramanath N. Kamath

Shri Ramesh Anant Mhapankar

Group MIG-7, Padmanabhpur

C-809, Mahavir Trinkets

H-1, Shree Saraswati CHS

Durg 491 001 (Chhattisgarh)

Behind Huma Ad Labs

Chembur, Mumbai 400 071

Mob. 09826121079

Kanjurmarg (West)

(DOB 24-05-1935)

(DOB 07-07-1922)

Mumbai 400 078

(DOB 05-03-1942)

GP/026

GP/09

Smt. Rekha Ramesh Mhapankar

Shri Mukund P. Koranne

GP/017

H-1, Shree Saraswati CHS

14, Park View CHS

Adv. Vasantrao N. Unde

Chembur, Mumbai 400 071

Sector 17, Nerul (East)

Plot No.61B, Gurudeep CHS,

(DOB 14-11-1938)

Navi Mumbai 400 706

1/301, Tulsibagwale Colony,

(DOB 10-07-1935)

Sahakar Nagar No.2

GP/027

Pune 411 009

Shri Madhukar B. Kulkarni

GP/010

A-101, Mangal Aarati

Shri Suresh S. Atkekar

GP/020

Opp. Swaminarayan Mandir

12, Prasanti CHS

Shri Sachin P. Adhikari

Kesarbag, Mulund (East),

Above Dr, Dixit Hospital

D-52, Shiv Parvati CHS

Mumbai 400 081

Agarkar Road

Sector 21, Nerul (East)

Ph. 022–2564 1035

Dombivli (East) 421201

Navi Mumbai 400 706

Mob..093245 67369

Ph. 2443034

(DOB 10-01-1960)

(DOB 20-11-1932)

(DOB 08-12-1938)

GP/021

GP/030

GP/011

Smt. Tejaswini Sachin Adhikari

Shri M.V. Ramani

Dr. S.P. Awasthi

D-52, Shiv Parvati CHS

4-51-19, Lawsons Baug Colony

501-502, "Athena"

Sector 21, Nerul

Visakhapatnam 538 017, (A.P.)

Raheja Acropolis - I

Navi Mumbai 400 706

(DOB )

Mahalaxmi Road

(DOB 26-011-1962)

Opp. Dattaguru CHS

GP/032

Deonar, Mumbai 400 088

GP/022

Shri M.D. Bhusari

(DOB 01-07-1937)

Smt. Vinata Y. Garde

15/9, Jaypushpamilan CHS

E-74, 7^th floor

Sant Ramdas Road

GP/012

Woodland Housing Society

Mulund (East)

Shri Kailash Narain Sharma

Near Gandhi Bhawan

Mumbai 400 081

H-307, Raghunath Vihar,

Kothrud, Pune 411038

(DOB 02-09-1940)

AWHO, Sector 14, Kharghar

(DOB 21-07-1939)

Navi Mumbai 400 210

GP/035

Ph. 39282507/Mob.09819423560

GP/023

Shri Ganesh P. Mokashi

(DOB 10-09-1934)

Shri Vasantrao G. Thite

“Madhugandh”

"Shilip", 99, Varadayani CHS

Plot -1, Kalpana CHS

GP/013

Sus Road, Pashan

At Varale Post

Smt. Nirmala D. Chandorkar

Pune 411 021

Talegaon Dabhade,

A/2, Yogeshwar CHS

(DOB 22-03-1937)

Pune 413 507

Indra Nagari, Dahanukar Colony, Kothrud

Ph.02114 223257

Pune 411 038

GP/024

(DOB 16-03-1933)

(DOB 09-04-1936)

Shri Suresh R. Mehta

201, Shakti Apartments

GP/036

GP/014

Mistry Complex, Om Nagar,

Shri Vinayak M. Date

Shri Madhukar Trimbak Narale

Andheri (East), Mumbai 400 059

B-303, Navbhagyashree CHS

93, Nandanvan CHS

(DOB 01-01-1935)

Opp. Dr. C.D. Deshmukh Udyan

Sector 17, Nerul (East)

Mahatma Phule Road

Navi Mumbai 400 706

Mulund (East), Mumbai 400 081

Ph. 2771 4035

(DOB 12-11-1935)

(DOB 23-06-1930)

GP/037

GP/048

GP/055

Shri Ganapati Mantri

Shri Anil P. Kaskhedikar

Shri Suleman Babukhan Mulani

A/302, Shailesh CHS

D-33, Ganadhiraj

Mahavir Nagar

Plot No.12, Sector 19A

Mithagar Road

Kotamgaon Road

Nerul (East)

Mulund (East),

Lasalgaon, 422 306

Navi Mumbai 400 706

Mumbai 400 081

Tal. Niphad, Dist. Nashik

Mob. 93221 20328

Ph. 25673315

Ph. 02550-266849

(DOB 18-05-1943)

(DOB 18-07-1941)

Mobile 09860975212’

GP/039

GP/049

Shri Mohal Lal Daga

Shri Satya Deo Tiwari

(Total 36 Members as of

“Narayan Kunj”

2/255, Janakipuram Extn.

23^rd April 2013)

Mayuresh Row House D/02

Lucknow 226 001 (U.P.)

Plot 137/146, Sector 21

Nerul (East)

GP/050

Navi Mumbai 400 706

Shri Shrikant M. Kinjawadekar

Ph.02202771 5481

10, Megh Malhar

(DOB 20-03-1947)

30, Lokmanya Colony, Opp. Vanaz

Pune 411 038

GP/040

Shri Gunvant B. Gondhali

GP/051

B-7/503, Safal Complex,

Shri Avinash M. Lakare

Sector 19A, Nerul (East)

“Anupam”

Navi Mumbai 400 706

Plot NBo.49, Road 13-E

Ph. 32583944

Vidya Nagar, Nr. Air Port

(DOB 15-06-1933)

Pune 411032

Mob. 098606 43439

GP/041

(DOB 12-08-1950)

Shri Vijay Muley

Manager, Nogi & Co. Pvt. Ltd.

GP/52

Ganesh Baug

Dr. Maheshchandra Velji Parekh

Suren Road,

5/3, Damani CHS

Mumbai 400 093

LBS Marg

Naupada, Thane 400 602

GP/042

Ph. 25423018

Shri B.R. Shejale

(DOB 25-02-1937)

B-208, Nilkanth Corner

Plot No.2, Sec. 2

GP/053

Sanpada,

Shri Prabhakar Chhatre

Navi Mumbai 400 705

21, Bogan Villa

Orchid Complex, Majiwada

GP/043

Thane (West) 400 601

Shri Yogesh Gajendra Deputy

Cell No. 098690 08742

406, Sandhya Darshan Aptt.

Opp. Bhulka Bhavan School

GP/054

Adajan Road

Shri Kumar Y.Tipirneni

Surat 395 009 (Gujarat)

“Savina”

Mob. 093777 73180

Plot No.489, Rod No.22

(DOB 11-12-1934)

Jubiulee Hills

Hyderabad 500 033

GP/045

DOB 09-07-1940

Shri Harivadan S. Dalal - HUF

Gr. Floor, Happy Home Bldg.

Near Badri Narain Temple

Adajan Road

Surat 395 009 (Gujarat)

--------------------------------------------------

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trial Posting . please ignore .prabhakar chhatre

Haryana CM Hooda gives 10 lakh donation to AISCCON

by JAGAT on OCTOBER 25, 2010

Haryana CM Bhupender Singh Hooda concluded his appearance at the AISCCON conference with a surprise announcement of a large personal donation of 10 lakhs to the confederation to help it develop its program.

Hooda said, furthermore, that the Haryana government has undertaken numerous different programs for the benefit of the elderly, through which they can both get self respect and also make a living. “All Indians should be ready to give up their lives for their mothers and the motherland.”

He said that the elderly might be physically weak, but their experience and blessings are powerful. We are able to face life’s greatest difficulties by making use of their experience. “Those who don’t respect the dignity of the elderly can never make progress,” he said. “Our forefathers suffered all through their lives and even went to prison so that the light of freedom could shine for us. We must show respect for their heroism.”

The local MLA Pradeep Mathur said that old age is that last stage of life, when people are in fact most needed by their families. But due to current conditions they are being left on their own. “The time has come when under the leadership of this institution the elderly throughout the country get organized and become strong so that they can get the respect they deserve.”

Confederation director R.N. Mittal said that the life of the elderly is the result of a long struggle, which results in an experience by which society can take direction.

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Health ministry pushes for end to sale of branded drugs

At last, thanks to Amir Khan (and forthcoming Elections), the
government has woken up.
SEE HOW MANY COMMENTS HAVE APPEARED IN just a DAY
Real freedom from the menace of looting via branded drugs will end
ONLY when GOI insists of reasonable prices on packages / strips (MRP)
as against high margin rates currently in vogue.

===============================================

Health ministry pushes for end to sale of branded drugs
Kounteya Sinha, TNN | Oct 16, 2012, 06.12AM IST
Comments (205)

Medicines in India may not be sold under brand names in the near future.

NEW DELHI: Medicines in India may not be sold under brand names in the
near future.

In its biggest move to push generic drugs and do away with brand
names, the Union health ministry has ordered states to stop issuing
licence for the manufacture or sale of drugs on the basis of their
brand name.

All pharmaceutical firms applying for licence to market or manufacture
fixed dose combination (FDC) drugs will have to submit their generic
name and not as brands with immediate effect. The move will
substantially reduce medicines' prices.

For example, Crocin will cease to exist, and it will be marketed and
sold as paracetamol.

Drug controller general of India Dr G N Singh said, "We want to
gradually move towards a future where we will not issue any brand or
trade names. We are going all out to push generic drugs solely for the
benefit of the public."

He added, "We have sent the order to all state health secretaries
asking them to instruct their drug licencing issuing authority to
issue licences only on generic names and not on branded or trade
names, which is the usual practice now. A branded drug can be 10 times
more expensive than a generic variant."

The parliamentary standing committee in its recent scathing report had
also expressed strong objection to the practice of issuing licences on
brand names.

The matter was then taken up in the Drug Consultative Committee (DCC)
meeting on July 20, 2012.

A letter written by director in the health ministry Sanjay Prasad
says, "Instances were brought to the notice of the central government
that the licencing authorities of many states have been granting
licences for manufacture of new drugs, including FDCs, in violation of
drugs and cosmetics rules."

"It was reiterated in the DCC meeting that such license for new drugs
for unapproved FDCs must not be granted by any state licencing
authorities," stated the letter to state health secretaries.

The ministry has been going all out to promote generic medicines. It
has made mandatory for all doctors in the public sector to prescribe
generic drugs and not brands. Doctors have warned that strong action
will be taken against doctors found prescribing brands.

Low public sector availability forces patients to purchase medicines
from private sector, where prices are usually higher.

A World Health Organization study recently found that generic
medicines were available only in 20%-40% of public health clinics
surveyed. In comparison, 40%-60% of private health facilities had
adequate stock of generic drugs. The sub-national surveys were carried
out in Chennai, Haryana, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Rajasthan and West
Bengal.

WHO said, "More than half of public facilities lack essential medicines."

Around 78% of healthcare expenditure in India is out-of-pocket of
which 72% is spent on medicines.

National Sample Survey Organization (NSSO) records show that the
highest out-of-pocket expenditure on drugs is in Himachal Pradesh
(87.95%), followed by Uttarakhand (87.75%), Bihar (84%), Rajasthan
(83%), Uttar Pradesh (81.86%) and Chhattisgarh (81.38%). In larger
states like Maharashtra 60% of out-of-pocket expenses are for buying
drugs, Karnataka (65%), Delhi (74%), Tamil Nadu (66%), Madhya Pradesh
(71%) and West Bengal (65.80%).

India is also opening Jan Aushadhi, a countrywide chain of medical
stores, to make generic and other drugs available at reasonable
prices.

However, only few stores have been opened in Andhra Pradesh, Delhi,
Haryana, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan and Uttarakhand.

The health ministry is also gearing up to make "Free medicine for all
through Public Health Facilities" in all government health facilities
a reality from next month.

The sharp increase in prices of drugs has been the main reason for the
rising costs of healthcare, which more than tripled between 1993-94
and 2006-07. Between 1993-94 and 2004-05, compared to a 67% rise in
real per person income and an 82% increase in per person tax
collections, real per person public health expenditure rose from Rs 84
to Rs 125. The paltry spending by states on purchasing drugs has only
compounded poor patients' problems.

Drug prices have also shot up phenomenally in India over the past
decade and a half.

India reported around 40% spurt in all drug prices between 1996 and 2006.
===============

Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Health-ministry-pushes-for-end-to-sale-of-branded-drugs/articleshow/16831146.cms

Dr P Vyasamoorthy, 30 Gruhalakshmi Colony Secunderabad 500015 Ph
040-27846631 / 9490804278.

Monday, October 8, 2012

I thank Sri B Ramesh for alerting me on this piece of news.

========

MRPS leader bats for senior citizens

SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT

SHARE · PRINT · T+

Manda Krishna plans 50-day yatra seeking hike in pensions

Manda Krishna

Madiga Reservation Porata Samithi president, Manda Krishna, who earlier spearheaded the cause of disadvantaged sections of society, including children with congenital heart diseases, has now turned his focus on problems faced by senior citizens and widows.

He will launch a 50 day-long 'Yuddhabheri Yatra', starting from Nellore on Sunday, covering all districts before ending it over a four-day period in Hyderabad from November 22. His primary demand is a hike in pensions from Rs. 200 to Rs. 1,000 per month, considering the skyrocketing prices of essential commodities and living costs.

Official statistics indicate that Old Age Pensions and Widow Pensions are currently disbursed to 37,84,862 and 20,277,90 persons, respectively, in Andhra Pradesh. "Among other things, my focus is on telling people how grossly inadequate this pension of Rs. 200 a month is, for these disadvantaged sections is," he said, adding that financial woes apart, there were several other social problems plaguing them.

At a press conference here on Saturday, he regretted that successive Congress governments headed by the late Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy, K. Rosaiah and now Chief Minister N. Kiran Kumar Reddy had ignored promises made in the party's election manifesto. Agreeing to a Rs. 200 monthly pension for senior citizens and widows, the Centre had asked State governments to match it and even go higher if they could, he recalled, regretting that in Andhra Pradesh, though, only Rs. 200 was being paid.

Starting from Nellore on October 7, Mr. Krishna would cover Chittoor on October 8 & 9, Anantapur (10 & 11), Kadapa (12 & 13) and Kurnool (14 & 15), traversing Prakasam on October 16 & 17. His planned route will take him to Guntur, Krishna, Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, Visakhapatnam Urban and Rural, East and West Godavari, Khammam, Warangal, Karimnagar, Adilabad, Nizamabad, Medak, Nalgonda, Mahbubnagar and Ranga Reddy before entering Hyderabad on November 22.

==========

Dr P Vyasamoorthy, 30 Gruhalakshmi Colony Secunderabad 500015 Ph 040-27846631 / 9490804278.
sss-global has crossed 1,20,000 messages since beginning.

Sunday, October 7, 2012

UP Govt plans Old Age Homes in every district

Our SEnior Citizens Protest Activity of AISCCON is paying off.
=====================================
LUCKNOW: An old age home will be constructed in all the districts of
the state. An announcement to this effect was made by Avdhesh Prasad,
social welfare minister UP during a television programme held on
Saturday. He informed that Rs 30 crores have been sanctioned by the
Centre in this regard.

In another development, he said that the financial aid given to
scheduled caste and scheduled tribe families for getting their
daughters married and achieving higher education would also be
increased. The minister informed that the process of fund transfer
would be made electronic and the money would be transferred to the
account of the beneficiary. The step has been taken to check
corruption. Reiterating his party's commitment to ensure that every
person in need gets his due, he said the SP government is functioning
in the way a welfare state should do.

====
Source:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/lucknow/Government-plans-old-age-homes-in-all-dists/articleshow/16706337.cms

Dr P Vyasamoorthy, 30 Gruhalakshmi Colony Secunderabad 500015 Ph
040-27846631 / 9490804278.
sss-global has crossed 1,20,000 messages since beginning.

Monday, October 1, 2012

Vayosherestha Samman 2012

Vayoshrestha Samman, 2012

Shri Mukul Wasnik, Minister for Social Justice & Empowerment and Shri
Sushil Kumar Shinde, Minister for Home Minister conferred
"Vayoshrestha Samman 2012 – National Awards for Senior Citizens at
Vigyan Bhavan today.

Speaking on the occasion Shri Mukul Wasnik said, "On
14thDecember 1990, the United Nations General Assembly designated 1st
October as International Day of Older Persons. This day is a very
special day for our Ministry as Senior citizens are one of the most
important part of our community. We take great pleasure in organizing
this function, to honour eminent senior citizens and institutions
working for the cause of the elderly. This year, keeping in view the
increasing safety and security problems that are being faced by our
senior citizens, our ministry identified "Security for Senior
Citizens" as the theme for International Day of Older Persons, 2012,
which include physical, financial ,emotional and other securities. And
we are fortunate to have the Hon'ble Union Home Minister with us today
who would enlighten us about the various measures being taken and
proposed to be taken for the safety and security of the senior
citizens.

Vayoshreshtha Samman is a humble recognition of the relentless
strivings and inspiring achievements of our eminent senior citizens
and Institutions who are working for the cause of elderly. It is
indeed a moment of great pride for me as we have assembled here today
to honour some of the exemplary senior citizens and institutions of
our country who have re-defined the meaning of self-realization.

As you may be knowing, a demographic revolution is underway throughout
the world. Today, world-wide, there are around 600 million persons
aged 60 years and over; this total will double by 2025. In our fast
ageing world, older people will increasingly play a critical role -
through transmitting experience and knowledge, volunteer work, helping
their families with caring responsibilities and increasing their
participation in the work force. Such contributions to development can
only be ensured if senior citizens enjoy security and adequate levels
of health and we all need to equip ourselves to meet these demanding
situations.

Our Ministry has put in place the National Policy on Older Persons
(NPOP) with a view to address the various issues relating to ageing in
a comprehensive manner. I would like to share with you that keeping in
view of the changing demographic pattern and socio-economic changes,
our Ministry is in advance stage of formulating a new National Policy,
which is expected to address the concerns of the elderly, with a view
to helping them live a productive and dignified life.

Our Ministry is implementing a grant-in-aid Scheme of Integrated
Programme for Older Persons (IPOP). Under the scheme financial
assistance is provided to voluntary organizations for running and
maintenance of various projects such as old age homes, day care
centres, physiotherapy clinics, regional resource and training
centres, etc. Keeping in view the rising cost of living, our Ministry
is considering the revision of cost norms of these various projects.

To develop a frontline cadre of caregivers to ensure quality care at
home for the elderly, National Institute of Social Defence, an
autonomous body under our Ministry has been conducting a number of
training courses on Geriatric Care. To address the healthcare problems
of the senior citizens, the Government has introduced the National
Programme for Health Care for Elderly (NPHCE) starting from the year
2010-11 with a basic aim to provide separate and specialized
comprehensive health care to the senior citizens. Besides, the
Government has introduced various facilities and concessions for the
senior citizens such as old age pension, income tax rebate, concession
in rail and air fare, higher interest rates in deposits, etc.

On legislation front, enactment of The Maintenance and Welfare of
Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007 is a major milestone in this
direction. However, it is very unfortunate that the implementation of
the Act across the country has been unsatisfactory. We therefore, need
to join hands together to ensure that this important piece of
legislation is implemented in the right spirit.

But much more than this, what our senior citizens require is a sense
of belongingness, sense of being part of the family and a little
warmth. We must remember the wrinkles on their faces are because of
the hard work they have done so that we, the next generation is able
to live a better life. It is now our responsibility to help them lead
a meaningful and healthy life. These inter-generational bondings are
the need of the hour.

On this day, on behalf of the Government, we reaffirm our commitment
to make India safe for senior citizens. I would also request you all
to help those elderly who are less fortunate and do not have family or
adequate resources by extending the support of caring communities.

I once again congratulate all the Vayoshreshtha Samman 2012 awardees
and I wish you would keep inspiring us for many more years to come. I
also take this opportunity to congratulate NISD, officers of the
Ministry, NGOs and all of you who have come together to make this
programme a memorable one.

Shri Sushil Kumar Shinde, Minister for Home Affairs congratulated the
awardees and said the Ministry of Home Affairs issued advisory to
State Governments to ensure the life and property of senior citizens
is fully protected. The advisory includes - direction to Police
departments to pay special attention to security to the life and
property of older persons and keeping a friendly vigil; identification
of pockets inhibited by older persons; persons visit to the homes of
the older persons; setting up of helpline for the welfare of older
persons etc.

The Vayosreshtha Samman is given by the Ministry of Social Justice and
Empowerment each year to recognize the exemplary contribution of
senior citizens in various fields and outstanding institutions working
for the welfare of the elderly. Vayosreshtha Samman 2012 Awards were
conferred by Shri Sushil Kumar Shinde and Shri Mukul Wasnik to the
following:

Institution Award for Knowledge: All India Senior Citizens
Confederation, Mumbai, Maharashtra.

Institution Award for Services: Yanam old Age Home, Pudducherry; All
Manipur Senior Citizens Welfare Association Imphal (Manipur)

Best Panchayat Award: Pulamanthol Gram Panchayat, Mallapuram, Kerala

Individual Awards

Centenarian Award: Dr. Shanti Giridhar Lal, Mumbai

Best Mother Award: Smt. Shefali Chaudhary, Kolkata (Posthumously)

Life Time Achievement Award: Shri M. M. Sabharwal, New Delhi

Creative Art Award: Shri Agni Kumar Acharjee, Agartala, Tripura

Sportsman Award: Smt. Prakash Tomar, Bagpat, U.P.; Smt. Chandro Tomar,
Bagpat, U.P.

A series of posters and a book titled " Age Care India – National
Initiative on care for elderly" were released on the occasion.

Shri Anil Goswami, Secretary, SJE, Shri Anoop Kumar Srivastava,
Additional Secretary, SJE, Shri T. R. Meena, Joint Secretary,SJE, and
Officials from the Ministry and National Institute of Social Defence,
Representatives of senior citizens associations were present on the
occasion.

*****

Dr P Vyasamoorthy, 30 Gruhalakshmi Colony Secunderabad 500015 Ph
040-27846631 / 9490804278.
Please check if your registration for 7th oct get together is in the
list sent by Mr Nityanandam!!