RPCAU Vice-Chancellor Emphasizes Societal Duty Toward Elderly Population
In Patna, the Vice-Chancellor of Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University (RPCAU), P S Pandey, delivered a compelling address on Wednesday, underscoring the critical need to prioritize respect, security, and comprehensive care for the elderly. He described senior citizens as a valuable asset to society, a statement made against the backdrop of growing concerns over India's swiftly aging demographic landscape.
National Conference Addresses Aging Population Challenges
The remarks were made during a two-day national conference titled "Aging Population: Issues, Challenges and Solutions", organized by the department of human development and family studies at the College of Community Science under RPCAU. Vice-Chancellor Pandey highlighted the multifaceted challenges posed by the rapidly increasing aging population in India. He pointed out that as traditional social structures weaken and family sizes shrink, the younger generation often faces significant difficulties in providing adequate care for their elderly parents.
Collective Responsibility Beyond Family Units
Serving as the guest of honor, Tanya Sen Gupta from the National Institute of Social Defence reinforced this perspective by asserting that caring for the elderly is a collective responsibility shared by society and the government, not merely confined to family units. She emphasized the urgent necessity of creating a safe, respectful, and supportive environment for older adults to thrive in their later years.
Key Issues Discussed by Delegates
More than 100 delegates from various organizations across the country engaged in deliberations on a wide array of vital topics, including:
- Demographic changes and their societal impacts
- Strategies for promoting healthy aging
- Mental health concerns among the elderly
- Social isolation and its detrimental effects
- Legal and financial security for senior citizens
- Nutritional needs specific to aging populations
- The role of Ayurveda, yoga, and meditation in elderly well-being
Participants also focused on the escalating problems of loneliness and depression among the elderly, stressing the imperative for robust community support systems to address these issues effectively.
Prominent Speakers and Additional Initiatives
Notable speakers on the first day included A K Aditya, Shubhangi Singh, Abhijit K Dam, Usha Singh, and Vishala Patnam, who contributed diverse insights into the conference's themes.
In a related development, RPCAU concluded a separate three-day beekeeping program aimed at strengthening entrepreneurship in honey production through scientific methods. Experts at this event urged farmers to adopt advanced beekeeping techniques, focusing on branding and value addition to enhance profitability. Vice-Chancellor Pandey noted the university's commitment to doubling beekeepers' income and encouraged collaboration with RPCAU to boost business prospects.
Over 50 participants attended the beekeeping program, engaging in discussions and receiving guidance from scientists on various aspects of the practice, including demonstrations of different methods and information on essential equipment and techniques.
