PCMC celebrates International Day of Older Persons with cultural programmes
Pimpri : The Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) marked the International Day of Older Persons with a citywide celebration recognising the invaluable role of senior citizens in shaping society. The event, held at Prof. Ramkrishna More Auditorium in Chinchwad, featured cultural performances, health awareness talks, and the release of a special publication “Anand Melava.”
Speaking on the occasion, Mamata Shinde, Deputy Commissioner, Social Development Department, PCMC said, “Senior citizens are the pillars of our society. Their wisdom, discipline, and life experiences inspire generations. Honouring them should not be confined to a single day but reflected in our everyday conduct. A happy and healthy life for our elders strengthens the community as a whole.”
Former Mayor Usha (Mai) Dhore highlighted PCMC’s pioneering efforts for the elderly, noting that the civic body was the first in the country to grant permission for dedicated Senior Citizens’ Bhavans. Vrishali Maral, President of Pimpri Chinchwad Senior Citizens Federation, shared that the city has 163 senior citizens’ associations, and this year 143 of them received support in the form of lamps and chairs from PCMC.
Under the guidance of Municipal Commissioner Shekhar Singh and Additional Commissioner Pradip Jambhale Patil, PCMC organises the annual celebration of the day, which includes honouring senior leaders of the federation. This year, 27 office bearers were felicitated for their contribution.
The programme also featured an awareness session on organ donation by health activist Shrikant Apte, who has facilitated 22 eye donations in the last four months, restoring vision for 44 individuals. Addressing the gathering, he urged seniors to pledge organ donation and inspired them with the message, “Our legacy is not only in the values we pass on but also in the life we can give to others even after we are gone.”
In addition, PCMC’s public relations officer Prafulla Puranik administered a cleanliness pledge to all present, linking the celebration with the city’s recent achievement of ranking 7th in the national ‘Swachh Survekshan.’
The event concluded with cultural performances and health talks, reinforcing the message that ageing is not just about years lived but about continuing to contribute meaningfully to society.
