Prominent intellectuals seek stronger family and community support for elderly citizens in Kashmir

Ziraat Times News Desk

Srinagar, June 15: Amar Singh Club, Srinagar, in collaboration with Moul Mouj Foundation (MMF) and Greater Kashmir Communications, observed World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on Monday under its “Common Interest Conversations” (CIC) programme, with speakers highlighting the growing challenge of elder abuse and calling for stronger family, community and institutional support systems for senior citizens.

The event was presided over by Advisor to Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani and attended by former Advisor Khursheed Ahmad Ganai, President of the Central Pensioners Welfare Association Kifayat Hussain Rizvi, Chairperson of Kashmir Centre for Social and Developmental Studies (KCSDS) Prof Hameeda Nayeem, MMF Founding Chairman Dr Zubair Saleem, and former Director Colleges Prof Yasmeen Ashai.

Representing the Amar Singh Club Managing Committee were Club Secretary Nasir Hamid Khan and Rouf Ahmed Punjabi. Among those present were eminent citizens Saleem Beig, Er SRS Madni, G M Dug, Dr Abdul Majid Siraj, G N War, Mohd Ashraf Mir, Qurat-ul-Ain, Showkat Malik, Masooda Yasin, Masooda Rajpuri and others.

Welcoming the participants, Nasir Hamid Khan said the programme was being held in line with the United Nations’ 2026 theme, “Beyond Awareness — Making Elder Abuse Prevention Work.”

He said awareness alone was no longer sufficient and stressed the need to move from discussion to practical measures aimed at preventing physical harm, emotional neglect and financial exploitation of senior citizens.

Highlighting initiatives undertaken by the Club, Khan announced the introduction of a special category of Senior Dependent Members, under which parents of club members would receive club privileges without admission fees or monthly charges.

He said the initiative was designed to reduce isolation among senior citizens, encourage their participation in social life and lower the risks of depression, neglect and vulnerability.

Khan also announced a partnership with Paras Group of Hospitals to provide senior members with complimentary health screenings twice annually, priority consultations with specialists, dedicated geriatric services, home sample collection within a 10-kilometre radius, relationship management support, discounts and specialised geriatric healthcare packages.

He appreciated the role of Moul Mouj Foundation in supporting senior citizens and Greater Kashmir Communications for consistently highlighting issues affecting the elderly through its publications.

Referring to the Common Interest Conversations platform launched last year, Khan said it had facilitated discussions on issues such as digital addiction, drug abuse, mental health, women’s wellness, eldercare and environmental concerns. He added that another session focusing on traffic congestion in Srinagar and other towns of Kashmir would be held shortly.

Expressing concern over growing fragmentation within society, Khan proposed the creation of a “Kashmir Business and Civic Chamber” to bring together existing organisations and concerned citizens under a common platform aimed at promoting civic discipline, social responsibility and shared values. He said the body would be formalised in the coming days and invited citizens from different walks of life to join as founding members.

Calling for collective action, he urged citizens to build support networks for senior citizens, regularly check on elderly neighbours, establish community monitoring mechanisms and create social safety nets to ensure elders live with dignity and respect.

Addressing the gathering as chief guest, Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani described elder abuse as a serious and emerging social issue. He stressed the need for wider public awareness and said the government was considering constituting a committee on the issue.

He said experts from Amar Singh Club and Moul Mouj Foundation could be included in such a committee to help formulate interventions and policy recommendations aimed at addressing elder abuse.

Delivering the keynote address, Dr Zubair Saleem highlighted what he described as the alarming prevalence of elder abuse. Citing studies and field experiences, he said nearly one in every two elderly parents experiences some form of abuse, neglect, emotional distress or verbal mistreatment, often at the hands of close family members.

“Parents can sometimes be difficult or behave in unexpected ways, but nothing on the face of the earth can justify being rude, neglectful, or uncaring towards them,” he said, calling for greater sensitivity and stronger family support systems for older persons.

Former Advisor Khursheed Ahmad Ganai termed elder abuse a highly relevant issue in contemporary society. He noted that the global elderly population was steadily increasing and said governments and communities must develop mechanisms to address challenges associated with ageing and elder care.

Prof Hameeda Nayeem emphasised the importance of inculcating moral values in children from an early age, while Prof Yasmeen Ashai stressed the need for awareness and intervention at the family, societal and institutional levels.

Kifayat Hussain Rizvi (Retd IAS) underscored the importance of religious education and value-based upbringing in fostering respect and care for elders.

During the programme, the MMF Impact Report 2026 was released, highlighting the foundation’s key interventions during the year.

The release was attended by MMF Advisory Board members Mandip Kaur, Prof Masooda Yasin and Masooda Rajpuri, along with Prof Khurshid Aslam Khan, Senior Cardiologist and Advisor to the Seniors’ Heart Care Project, and Prof M Ashraf Teli, Radiation Oncologist and Advisor to the Moul Mouj Cancer Care Project.

The event concluded with participants reiterating their commitment to work collectively for the dignity, care and protection of senior citizens across society.