The Rotaract Club of Mapusa organised a special function to mark International Day of Older Persons, felicitating 26 senior citizens from different walks of life for their valuable contributions to society and their continued involvement in the community.
The programme recognised senior citizens who have contributed in various fields, including teaching, painting, aviation, transport, hospitality, catering and other professions. Many of those felicitated continue to remain active and engaged in community life, bringing with them years of experience, knowledge and skills.
State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities Guruprasad Pawaskar was the Chief Guest, while Sanjay Harmalkar was the Guest of Honour. The senior citizens were felicitated at the hands of the dignitaries. Isha Sinai Talaulikar, President of Rotaract Club of Mapusa welcomed the gathering, which was attended by a large number of people and was organised by the members of the Club.
Speaking on the occasion, Pawaskar said that advancing age should never be seen as a limitation to a person’s contribution to society. “Our senior citizens are an invaluable part of our society. Age brings with it experience, wisdom and knowledge that cannot be gained overnight. Those felicitated today have contributed to society in different ways, and many continue to remain active even today. Their journeys and experiences are a source of learning for the younger generation. We must ensure that our elders are respected, valued and given opportunities to continue contributing to the community in ways that are meaningful to them.”
Pawaskar also emphasised the importance of strengthening interaction between generations. Guest of Honour Sanjay Harmalkar appreciated the Rotaract Club of Mapusa for organising the programme and recognising the contribution of senior citizens.
“I appreciate the Rotaract Club of Mapusa for taking the initiative to honour our senior citizens on International Day of Older Persons. These are people who have spent many years contributing to their families, professions and to Mapusa. Recognising their contribution is not only a mark of respect but also an opportunity for the younger generation to learn so much from them.”
Those felicitated at the function were Tarabai Shivaji Shinde, Adv. Vaman Pandit, Raju Kelkar, Sudan Biku Jalmi, Prakash Govekar, Rajendra Singbhal, Shekhar Naik, Kunda Gurudas Khedekar, Mohamad Habib Motiwala, Nuruddin Shaikh, Ravindra Fogueri, Yeshwant Shetye, Pramod Kalangutkar, Sunil Kalangutkar, Mahabaleshwar Walawalkar, Rudreshwar B. Natekar, Eknath Mhapshekar, Narendra Naik, Shamsundar Atmaram Pednekar, Satish Mahabaleshwar Palyekar, Hemashree Hanumant Gadekar, Satyawan Bhivshet, Shobha Dattaram Mandrekar, Ramesh Baburao Naik, Avadhut Mehta and Shrikanth Simepurushkar.
