Press Release
Press Release from Women, Child, Senior Citizen and Divyangjan Welfare Department, Gangtok District
Information & Public Relations Department
Awareness Programme under Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana (AVYAY) Held at Bhai Senior Secondary School, Saramsa
Gangtok, 7th Nov: The Women, Child, Senior Citizen and Divyangjan Welfare Department, Gangtok District, organised an awareness programme under the Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana (AVYAY) on 6th November 2026 at Baha'i Senior Secondary School, Saramsa, Gangtok District. The programme was centred on the theme “Empowered Senior Citizens, Stronger Society”, with a focus on promoting digital and financial literacy, active ageing and meaningful intergenerational participation.
The programme was graced by Ms. Manikala Gurung, Social Welfare Officer, Gangtok District, who served as the main speaker. In her address, she highlighted the importance of digital and financial literacy among senior citizens, particularly in today's rapidly evolving digital environment. She sensitised the elderly participants on the safe use of digital services, digital payments, and the growing risks of online fraud, cyber scams and misleading information circulating on social media. She emphasised the need for awareness, caution and responsible use of digital platforms to safeguard senior citizens from financial exploitation.
A key highlight of the programme was the emphasis on intergenerational bonding, encouraging meaningful interaction between senior citizens and the younger generation. The session highlighted the importance of respecting and valuing the experiences, wisdom and contributions of elders. Senior citizens were encouraged to share stories and life experiences with students, particularly focusing on local heritage, culture, traditions, values and the hard work and struggles of earlier generations. The students were also sensitised to the importance of learning from elders rather than blindly trusting or accepting unverified information and content circulated on social media.
The programme featured engaging activities, including a joint dance performance by senior citizens and students, symbolising unity, friendship and togetherness across generations. A storytelling session provided an opportunity for senior citizens to share their experiences and traditional knowledge with the younger participants. A Walkathon involving senior citizens, teachers, the Principal and students further promoted active ageing, physical well-being, solidarity and community participation.
The Principal also expressed the need for such interactive and awareness-based programmes to be conducted regularly in educational institutions to strengthen relationships between senior citizens and the younger generation.
The programme was anchored by Ms. Kalyani Dewan (SWI) and witnessed active participation from senior citizens, students, teachers, the Principal and the Social Welfare Inspector of Saramsa Area.
Gangtok, 7th Nov: The Women, Child, Senior Citizen and Divyangjan Welfare Department, Gangtok District, organised an awareness programme under the Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana (AVYAY) on 6th November 2026 at Baha'i Senior Secondary School, Saramsa, Gangtok District. The programme was centred on the theme “Empowered Senior Citizens, Stronger Society”, with a focus on promoting digital and financial literacy, active ageing and meaningful intergenerational participation.
The programme was graced by Ms. Manikala Gurung, Social Welfare Officer, Gangtok District, who served as the main speaker. In her address, she highlighted the importance of digital and financial literacy among senior citizens, particularly in today's rapidly evolving digital environment. She sensitised the elderly participants on the safe use of digital services, digital payments, and the growing risks of online fraud, cyber scams and misleading information circulating on social media. She emphasised the need for awareness, caution and responsible use of digital platforms to safeguard senior citizens from financial exploitation.
A key highlight of the programme was the emphasis on intergenerational bonding, encouraging meaningful interaction between senior citizens and the younger generation. The session highlighted the importance of respecting and valuing the experiences, wisdom and contributions of elders. Senior citizens were encouraged to share stories and life experiences with students, particularly focusing on local heritage, culture, traditions, values and the hard work and struggles of earlier generations. The students were also sensitised to the importance of learning from elders rather than blindly trusting or accepting unverified information and content circulated on social media.
The programme featured engaging activities, including a joint dance performance by senior citizens and students, symbolising unity, friendship and togetherness across generations. A storytelling session provided an opportunity for senior citizens to share their experiences and traditional knowledge with the younger participants. A Walkathon involving senior citizens, teachers, the Principal and students further promoted active ageing, physical well-being, solidarity and community participation.
The Principal also expressed the need for such interactive and awareness-based programmes to be conducted regularly in educational institutions to strengthen relationships between senior citizens and the younger generation.
The programme was anchored by Ms. Kalyani Dewan (SWI) and witnessed active participation from senior citizens, students, teachers, the Principal and the Social Welfare Inspector of Saramsa Area.
