President Pranab Mukharjee today called for building a society for all ages where every individual will have rights and responsibilities. <br/><br/>On the occasion of International Day of Older Persons, the President said, country's civilization has taught many years ago that teachers and parents are equal to God. He said, social responsibility towards senior citizens cannot be discharged by the state machinery alone, and various social bodies and NGOs have to be channeled to achieve objective of society for all ages.<br/><br/>Mr Mukherjee said, there is need to create additional health infrastructure for older people as the society is undergoing social change and will have effects of nuclear family concept. He said, skilled manpower especially to help and take care of senior citizens is also required. <br/><br/>The President said, the society is always indebted to their senior citizens and by serving them people pay back their debts. He said, the number of old people are rising in the country and at present there are more than 10.5 crore people who are above 60 years. He added that the number will go up to 17 crore in next 10 years and there is a need to create additional infrastructure.<br/><br/>On the occasion, Mr Mukherjee presented the National Awards for Senior Citizens Vayoshreshtha Samman-2016 to eminent senior citizens and institutions in recognition of their service towards the cause of elderly persons. <br/><br/>The Awards are intended to show case the Government's concern for senior citizens and its commitment towards them with the aim of strengthening their legitimate place in the society. It is also intended to provide an opportunity to the younger generation to understand the contribution of the elderly in building of the society and the nation.