It is said that the world is greying. This means the rapid growth in the number of Older Persons world-wide is creating an unprecedented global demographic revolution. According to the study of United Nations, by 2025, number of Older Persons in developing Countries will be more than double to 850 million - 12 per cent of the world population (and 20 per cent by 2050). So, the existence of this major chunk of the society is undoubtedly becoming an alarming issue for Governments, International Organisations, NGOs and Communities. Today ageing is also a global factor in social, economic and developmental terms. But if ageing is to be a positive experience, there must be improvements in the quality of life for Older People. To ignore their needs is both to deny their rights and to waste the fund of skills and experience that they represent. At present Older Persons received a fraction of the resources they need, while their continuing contribution to society is unrecognised.

This necessitated a meticulously designed intervention to restore the lost dignity of Older Persons within the society by protecting the rights of the Aged. In this connection Peoples Cultural Centre  ( PECUC) in collaboration with P. G. Department of Law, Human Rights and Duties Education of Utkal University organised a Seminar on "Rights of the Aged" at departmental seminar hall, Vani Vihar on World Human Rights Day. The Seminar was chaired by Dr. Sarada Ratha, Vice Chancellor (in charge) & Chairman, P. G. Council, Utkal University, Prof. Prafulla Mishra, HOD., P.G. Dept. of Law & Human Rights and Duties Education, Utkal University, Prof Pradeep Sarkar of the same Dept., Prof. Dr. Manindra Mohapatra of Indiana State University, USA, Justice (Retd.) S.C.Mohapatra, Mr B. K. Tripathy (IPS), IG (Retd.) of police, Govt. of Orissa, Mr. Ranjan Kumar Mohanty, Secretary-cum-Chief Executive of PECUC along with academicians, Representatives from NGOs, Human Rights activists, Students from Law & Human Rights and Duties Education Dept., Utkal University, Layers and Media persons were participated in the seminar. 

The concept of "Rights of the Aged" virtually came into limelight during last decade when it has become the subject for advanced study for Foreign Universities. Prof. Prafulla Mishra said adding that "Gradually the mass, the Indian population felt that it is going to be a nation wide problem which is responsible for development of the society. And it's a typical psychological trauma with which we have the audacity to say and group them as impoverished - though they are not, disabled - though they are not". He also said that "This is a problem which has to be taken due care and if possible a legislation be passed with regards to the interests of the Aged. We have to develop a concept of social security for them and the psychological, physiological, sociological including economical security to be taken care of by the Government". Prof. Pradeep Sarkar stressed on the demographic picture of the aged stating that, "If the demographic profile has to be seen, we see that by 2030 India will have 198 million aged population and 326 million by 2050. 63 percent of the aged population will be within 60 - 69 years, 11 percent within 70-79years and the rest will be of 80 or above age group. We are not increasing the age to serve except judicial service or some other exclusive jobs here in India after 60 years of age". He also identified the education, shelter, welfare, Protection of life and property, food and family support system as the basic needs of the aged persons. 

Then Mr. Ranjan Mohanty, Secretary cum Chief Executive of PECUC, stressed on the activities of PECUC with it's long experience of working with the older people internalised the critical situation and with the support of Help Age India in a pilot project at Balianta block of Khurda district and henceforth how ASHA (Alternative Source of Help & Action) came into being. Analysing the United Nations Principles for Older Persons he said that though the elderly are the most vulnerable section of the society, the rights of the aged are being violated everyday. "The policy of the Govt. is not directed towards providing the socio-economic security of the elderly persons, ....we all have to work together for the active ageing process and the civil society has to play a vital role for this" he said.

Workshops with Elderly, Intellectuals, Voluntary Organisations, Academicians, Law Students, Legal experts, Human Right Activists, NGOs and Govt. Officials to share the views on Rights of the Older Persons. Not a single old person we have seen who has desired to stay alone from his family or from society. So we have to see that how this active ageing process will sustain and how they can be related with their families. And Government has to take the responsibility through it's policy, through legislation. So that Their socio-economic security in old age and all rights can be protected. We have to come together to create pressure on the government in this regard".

Emphasising on the need for this sought of discussions Mr. B.K. Tripathy (IPS), said that "The concept of the rights of the aged first spread out at European Countries because of the change of social structure there due to their economical progress.   They have much more money, but emotionally they become disturbed. The nuclear family system made the aged members of the family alone". Mr. Tripathy also stressed on "In old age people feel insecure - both emotionally and economically.....We have to think the solution psychologically. How the Government, society and people think of the proper utilisation of old age - that is more important.
                  

Dr. (Prof.) Manindra Mohapatra of Indiana State University, USA discussed mainly on the present scenario of older persons in American society and how the NGOs and Civil Society are working towards the protection of the rights of the aged. He said, "In America the NGOs are taking initiatives surprisingly instead of political parties. NGOs and Civil Society have to pressurise the Government to implement it's laws for the benefits of the elderly along with protection of the rights of the aged".

Stressing on Article 21 of Indian Constitution (Right to life and Liberty) the Chief Guest of the Seminar Justice (Retd.) S.C.Mohapatra said that it is not the grey hair that is the basis of an aged person, but it is the experience that count. "Rights must go with obligations as right becomes alive only when it is followed by obligation. There would be chaos in society when right exceeds obligation and vice-versa. So both must be given equal consideration" he said. He also suggested for a study on the aged issue focusing on [a] statistics of the aged within a particular area, [b] Socio-economic-cultural position, [c] Basic needs like food, clothing and shelter in order to understand the real status of older persons. "It is the right of the aged to live comfortably until his/her death". He said adding that "Let us bring a Statutory Amendment in the Code of our Criminal Procedure, at least describing an age limit, at least to bring a Legislative Amendment that, after age of 60 no one can drag the criminal proceedings against an old person and the aged persons who are already dragged, when they will attend the age 80-85 - automatically the charge sheet stands cancel against them".

Dr. Sarada Ratha, Vice Chancellor (in charge) and Chairman of P.G. Council, Utkal University, mainly emphasised on right of dignity for the elderly. She also pointed out on how the services of the aged persons can be utilised in the society. "The aged are the most widely experienced persons, they are more literate, educated, widely travelled. We can't say them so aged at the age of 60 plus. Their services should be utilised in the society. Then the benefit comes from two sides - the society will be benefited by the experiences of the aged persons and at the same time aged people will think that, they are still cared, they are still needed, they are still wanted by the society, by the community, by the family. And this will really give a very positive support to the aged. They will think that they are not so old and they have to contribute a lot for the development of human resources and the society. They still have a role to play. That will bring a very positive aspect to their life" she mentioned by adding, "only fundamental right of the aged would be to enjoy old age with dignity, but with delight"

Finally Ms. Anuradha Mohanty, Co-Ordinator, Programme & in-charge of Age Care Cell of PECUC, then stressed on PECUC's intervention at Balianta Block of Khurda district with it's project ASHA for  the elderly. "The process started with mobilising the individual as well as the community for the concern old people. Our volunteers established a good level interaction by approaching them on to an individual level. All this demand our time, presence and understanding for securing the emotional and psychological balance of the elderly. ASHA stands for an approach of empowering the silver generation by conglomerating them to revive the village governance system and to ensure their rights" she stated. Ms. Mohanty also pointed out PECUC's involvement towards the Madrid summit on ageing on next2002.

In this context, describing the older persons as resource to the society she stressed on intergenerational relationships, financing for self help including micro credit and NRM projects, care giving and particularly the Media to highlight the developmental stories related with older persons.

Recommendation of the Seminar :

Advocacy for ensuring the rights for the Aged. Utilisation of knowledge, experience & expertise of the elderly for the holistic development of the society One to one motivational backup by the psychological counselling & touching the feelings of the older persons and thereby ensuring emotional security. Campaign for restoring & ensuring dignity of the elderly in the family and in the society. More study and research on Grey age problems and create mass awareness for the smooth solution. Promotion of alternative livelihood options for older persons, Family / Community based Rehabilitation of most distressed older persons. To pressurise the Government to pass legislation with the interests of the older / provision of adequate old age pension. To start a positive process of empowering the silver generation.

A declaration by older people was unanimously accepted in the celebration of world elderly day on 2nd October 2001 by PECUC. The declaration was red out by Sri Lingaraj Lenka, a 75 year old person and handed over to the honerable speaker of Orissa Legislative Assembly Govt. of Orissa Sri Sarat Kumar Kar. The day was celebrated in a joyful manner in presence of more than 200 old persons at Agricultural Development, Research & Training Centre (ADRTC) of PECUC at Pahala, Khurda with cycle Rally, Padayatra, Community Feast, photo Exhibition, Paintings, Free Health Camp, Cultural Programme & food and cloth distribution.