PANAJI: Governor of Goa P.S.Sreedharan Pillai and Indian Medical Association (IMA) Goa State celebrated ‘World Elders Day’ with great enthusiasm and gratitude at Raj Bhavan here today. The function was organised by IMA Goa along with Raj Bhavan Goa on Sunday as the Governor was out of station on World Elders Day, which is actually commemorated on 1st October, according to a press communique.
Elders from various old-age homes from across Goa, were hosted by the Governor during the celebrations that included a sumptuous lunch at the Raj Bhavan.
IMA Goa State distributed foldable wheel chair, regular foldable walker, double step foldable walker, a walking stick, tripod and quadripod walking sticks along with blood pressure apparatus & glucometer with gluco strips at the hands of the Governor; to 6 old-age homes to be used for the needy elders.
Dr Rufino Monteiro, President of IMA Goa State, in his welcome address explained the thought behind the theme for the year ‘Care of the Old with a heart of Gold‘ and thanked the Governor for having given monetary grants to all branches of IMA to carry forward their mission.
Governor P.S.Sreedharan Pillai expressed his pleasure at having many elders from various corners of Goa coming to Raj Bhavan. He narrated a brief story of how the elders today, due to lack of joint-families, are longing for love and affection more than monetary benefits. Children staying abroad with lonely parents left behind is a common scenario in many homes today and such elders staying alone, long for love and affection. He expressed his desire, security checks permitting, to allow elders staying close to Raj Bhavan to come and enjoy the scenic beauty of Raj Bhavan.
Dr Shekhar Salkar, past president, Dr Medha Salkar, Dr Mohan Dhumaskar, president elect, were present along with president and secretary of all seven branches of IMA Goa. Dr Amol Tilve, Secretary of IMA Goa State, thanked the Governor and also noted the support extended by his excellency in carrying forward the activities of IMA as per the theme for the year.
