Chanpora: Speakers on the eve of World Eleder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) held at Ahata Waqar ,Chanapora today called for joint efforts to prevent elder abuse from happening. It was observed that the WEAAD serves as a call for communities to raise awareness about abuse, neglect, and exploitation of elders and reaffirm commitment to end the menace of elderly abuse. The function was Chaired by former Director Door Darshan srinagar , Shabir Mujahid.
Speaking on the occasion , Dr Nazir Mushtaq , who was guest of honour , said that elder abuse was a serious public health and human rights issue to be tackled with a healing touch . He said WEAAD reminds us that elder abuse has implications for all of us, and so it’s important to find the right solutions to this human problem. “The Day aims to raise awareness of the challenges and issues faced by older persons worldwide. It seeks to promote the importance of respecting and caring for older persons and to highlight their significant contribution to society; Dr Nazir observed adding that together we can prevent elder abuse from happening.Dr. Mushtaq also donated a set of his published books which primarily deal with the burning issues of elderly people and women folk. He announced free health check up / medical consultation and diagnostic test services for the elderly persons at his clinic located in Karan Nagar , Srinagar. Speaking on the occasion , Er. Khazir Mohd Trag said The purpose of WEAAD is to provide an opportunity for communities around to promote a better understanding of abuse and neglect of older people by raising awareness of the cultural, social, economic and demographic processes affecting elder abuse and neglect. Laila Sulta while anchoring the programme threw light on the imprtance of WEAAD and said that it was launched on June 15, 2006 by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and the World Health Organization at the United Nations. She said
WEAAD is a call-to-action for society’s individuals, organizations, and communities to educate each other on how to identify, address and prevent abuse so we can all do our part to support everyone as we age. She informed that elderly persons are provided free health consultation & diagnostic tests at the Ahata Qaqat besides assistance in legal and various pension related matters On this occasion , an impressive short comedian skit was also performed by the artists to demostrate evil effects of elder abuse and neglect . Qazi Ab Rashid , a prominent social reformer called for joining hands in empowering older people. Other prominent personalities who spoke on the occasion included Hakeem Mohd Yaseen, former Director Sericulture, prominent Social activist Gh Mohd Bhat, TSO Shafiq and Dr sayiqa .
