Government College for Women, M. A. Road Srinagar organized a workshop on ‘Intergenerational Bonding’ on Thursday (March 24, 2022). The aim of the event was to sensitize youth about the importance of elderly in the society and highlight the various issues faced by senior citizens.
The event was organised by the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication of the college in collaboration with the National Institute of Social Defence, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment and Arungraha Regional Research and Training Centre on Ageing, Delhi. Vice-Chancellor, Cluster University Srinagar, Prof. (Dr.) Qayyum Husain was the Chief Guest on the occasion.
The main resource persons for the workshop were Dr Zubair Saleem (Nodal Officer for Geriatric Medicine, Kashmir Division and Head, Department of Geriatric Medicine, JLNM Hospital) and Ms Bisma Khan (Advocate JK High Court and Panel Lawyer District Legal Services Authority Srinagar).
Dr. Zubair shared his experience as a geriatric consultant and researcher to highlight the problems faced by senior citizens. He cited statistics and some case studies during his elaborate presentation on the theme. Dr Zubair shared some heart-wrenching stories of elderly patients who had been ill treated by their children and other family members.
Advocate Bisma Khan spoke about the legal aspects of the theme. She apprised the audience about the various provisions of Maintenance and Welfare of Senior Citizens Act.
In his address, Vice Chancellor, Cluster University Srinagar, Prof. (Dr.) Qayyum Husain highlighted the role of society in addressing the issue.
“We should not expect government to do everything. We can do a lot at our own individual level and as a society. For instance, charity is a central tenet of Islam and a religious obligation. We can use it also to build old age homes for such elderly people who have been abandoned by their families,” Prof. Qayyum said.
Speaking on the occasion, Principal of the host college, Prof. (Dr.) Nasreen Aman referred to some of the reasons responsible for lack of intergenerational bonding including lack of proper communication.
Prof. Nasreen said underlined the need to acknowledge the problem as a society and work on possible solutions with the help of experts.
Earlier while welcoming the guests, HOD Journalism & Mass Communication, Dr. Suhail Ahmad, who also compeered the proceedings, spelt out the theme of the porgramme and its relevance in contemporary times.
Dean Social Science, Cluster University, Dr. Mujahid was present on the occasion. Besides the senior faculty members, including Deans and HODs, over 100 students attended the event.
At the end, vote of Thanks was presented by Assistant Professor, Ms. Sadaf Bushra. (PRESS RELEASE)