‘Ageing in India’ Conference Calls for Culturally Rooted, Globally Inspired Elderly Policies

AUG 02: A national conference titled “Ageing in India: Emerging Realities, Evolving Responses” was held. The event was supported by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India, in collaboration with NITI Aayog, the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, and Sankala Foundation, the principal organiser.

In his inaugural address, NHRC Chairperson Justice V. Ramasubramanian stressed the importance of embedding ancient Indian cultural principles, such as those found in Sangam literature and the Yajur Veda, into contemporary policy frameworks. He emphasized that preserving the dignity, protection, and well-being of senior citizens is aligned with NHRC’s mandate to uphold human rights.

NHRC Secretary General Shri Bharat Lal highlighted the scale of the challenge, noting that India’s elderly population will reach 35 crore by 2050. He advocated for community and family-based care models, adapted from Scandinavian and Japanese systems, but grounded in Indian values. He also referenced NHRC advisories addressing elderly and widow rights, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The conference featured thematic sessions on elderly welfare policy, healthcare, economic engagement, and future preparedness. Eminent speakers including Dr. Vinod K. Paul (NITI Aayog), Dr. Kiran Bedi, and Shri Amitabh Kant, among others, shared perspectives on creating sustainable and inclusive systems for the elderly.

A special report titled “Ageing in India: Challenges and Opportunities” was released, offering a roadmap for integrating elderly care into India’s development agenda. Discussions emphasized financial security, digital literacy, palliative care models like Kerala’s, and community-led support systems.

The event concluded with a collective call for action from all sectors to recognize the elderly as assets and promote their active, meaningful participation in nation-building.