President Pranab Mukherjee has called upon people to maintain the country's cultural ethos by respecting elderly people. Addressing a function to mark the International Day of older persons in New Delhi today, Mr Mukherjee said there is an urgent need to sensitize various strata of the society towards the challenges being faced by the elderly people. He said, it is important that institutions to provide geriatric care be established, strengthened and made more affordable for the common man.<br/><br/> The President said, a robust legal framework implemented with vigour would help ensure safety, security and well-being of older persons in the country. He asked the Social Justice and Empowerment Ministry to assess the social changes and their impact in the individual life and take a remedial and corrective steps. Mr. Mukherjee also asked institutions, organizations and corporate to establish more facilities to provide institutional care to needy elderly persons. <br/><br/>Speaking on the occasion, Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Thawar Chand Gehlot said that his ministry is bringing a new policy for older persons and sought more public participation in its implementation. On the occasion, Mr Mukherjee also presented National Awards Vayoshreshtha Samman to senior citizens.

President Pranab Mukherjee has called upon people to maintain the country's cultural ethos by respecting elderly people. Addressing a function to mark the International Day of older persons in New Delhi today, Mr Mukherjee said there is an urgent need to sensitize various strata of the society to the physical and economic well-being of the older persons. The President asked the Social Justice and Empowerment Ministry to assess the social changes and their impact in the individual life and take a remedial and corrective steps.<br/><br/> Mr Mukherjee also asked institutions, organizations and corporates to establish more care centres for their well being. Speaking on the occasion, Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Thawar Chand Gehlot said that his ministry is bringing a new policy for older persons and sought more public participation in its implementation.