Ganderbal, Oct 1 : A legal awareness programme was on Thursday held at the Senior Citizen Home in Wayil, Ganderbal, to commemorate the International Day of Older Persons, focusing on educating senior citizens about their rights, welfare entitlements, and legal protections.
Organized by the Senior Citizens Home Ganderbal in collaboration with the She Hope Society for Women Entrepreneurs and the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) Ganderbal, the session addressed critical issues such as legal rights, elder abuse protection, social security schemes, and access to free legal aid. Advocate Bilal Ahmed Bhat, a panel lawyer from DLSA Ganderbal, served as the resource person, engaging with the residents to explain the legal provisions and welfare mechanisms available to them. He emphasized the necessity of legal awareness for the elderly, asserting that understanding their rights is vital for maintaining dignity and security. He also informed participants about the free legal assistance offered by the DLSA, encouraging them to seek help for any legal issues they encounter. Sami, the Executive Director of the She Hope Society for Women Entrepreneurs, underscored the commitment of the Senior Citizen Home to provide care, dignity, safety, and emotional support to its residents. He highlighted the importance of ensuring that elders, as custodians of wisdom, live with dignity and are protected from neglect and abuse. The DLSA representative reiterated the organization’s dedication to ensuring access to justice for vulnerable populations, particularly the elderly. The programme concluded with a collective commitment to enhance support mechanisms for senior citizens and raise awareness about their legal rights and entitlements, aligning with the theme of “Empowering Seniors, Protecting Rights, Ensuring Dignity.” The event successfully brought together legal representatives, senior citizens, community members, and organizers, reinforcing society’s responsibility towards the elderly.
