Rono Hills, Apr 18: The Rajiv Gandhi University (RGU) concluded a two-day national conference-cum-sensitisation workshop on “Empowering the Elderly in Tribal and Developing Societies: Challenges, Opportunities, and the Way Forward” on Friday.
Organised jointly by the Community Development Cell, Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC), and the Departments of National Security Studies and Psychology, the event was held in collaboration with Ane’s Home, an initiative of Capital Police. The programme was funded by the National Institute of Social Defence (NISD), under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
More than 200 participants attended the event, held in hybrid mode, which featured four technical sessions, a plenary session, a panel discussion, and a special workshop with police personnel. A total of 27 research papers, including 21 from scholars representing institutions across India, were presented during the conference.
Padma Shri awardee and noted innovator Uddhab Kumar Bharali delivered the keynote address, urging grassroots innovation to address the everyday challenges faced by the elderly.
RGU vice-chancellor (in-charge) Prof S K Nayak announced plans to introduce a course on gerontology and invited Bharali to exhibit his innovations at the university.
The sessions explored diverse aspects such as elderly health and well-being, intergenerational relationships, digital inclusion, and culturally sensitive policymaking. The panel discussion titled Prioritizing the Elders included experts who stressed the need for inclusive healthcare, economic security, and revival of traditional support systems.
A workshop involving 30 police personnel from Capital Police focused on sensitizing law enforcement to elderly-related issues. The event concluded with Capital SP Rohit Rajbir Singh, emphasizing interdisciplinary cooperation for elderly care.
The event was convened by Dr Ravi Ranjan Kumar, with Prof Utpal Bhattacharjee serving as organising chairman.
Prof Nandini C Singh chaired the valedictory session.
Dr Ajay Kumar Mishra, liaison officer from the higher and technical education department, announced plans for awareness programmes on elderly issues in colleges across the state.
