Bhubaneswar: The Social Security and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities Department, Government of Odisha, organized the state-level celebration of the International Day of Older Persons 2026 today in Bhubaneswar.
The comprehensive event brought together senior citizens, government leaders, wellness experts, and financial advisers for a meaningful day dedicated to honouring the contributions of the elderly while equipping them with tools for healthy and secure living.
The day’s activities commenced early in the morning at Indira Gandhi Park with an invigorating yoga and wellness session organized by SSEPD Department officials. Senior faculties from the Art of Living, Harapriya Mishra and Dr. Pritish Kumar Mishra, guided the elderly participants through a series of light physical exercises, breathing routines, and mental wellness techniques aimed at keeping senior citizens healthy, energized, and young at heart.
The main formal event featured distinguished leadership from the SSEPD Department, at the State Convention Centre, Lok Seva Bhavan including Commissioner cum Secretary Dr. Brunda D, SSEPD Director Parul Patwari, and Additional Secretary Deepak Routrai. Addressing the gathering as Chief Guest, Babu Singh, MLA, Ekamra, emphasized that senior citizens should be celebrated every day of the year for their immense sacrifices and contributions to family and society.
Quoting the famous lines of Santha Kabi Bhima Bhoi, “Mo jibana pache narke padi thau jagata udhar heu”, Singh highlighted the selfless nature of elders. He also stressed the importance of honouring past traditions to guide future generations, calling for a revival of the classic storytelling bond between grandparents and grandchildren to preserve core human values and family unity.
Guest of Honour Arun Kumar Sabat, a prominent Chartered Accountant and expert speaker on financial literacy, provided the audience with comprehensive financial guidance tailored specifically for senior citizens. He advised elders on tax planning, reverse mortgages, safe lending, and estate planning to safeguard their property and prevent potential disputes among heirs. To secure peace of mind, Sabat strongly recommended avoiding complicated stock market ventures in favour of mutual funds and Gold ETFs managed with professional advice. He further encouraged senior citizens to utilize their savings to travel across the country and abroad, as well as to invest in the welfare and future of their grandchildren.
The grand event concluded with an uplifting cultural performance by the renowned Sweta Padma Cultural Group, under the artistic direction of Music Director Sitansu Sekhar Rout. Popular singers Tansen Singh, Subhash Das, Srikar Padhi, Prasanta Samal, Anindita Das, and Chhanda Mishra performed a line-up of traditional and popular songs, bringing the celebrations to a memorable and cheerful close.
The Social Security and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities Department continues its mission to promote the dignity, security, and well-being of senior citizens across the state through dedicated policy initiatives, community outreach, and welfare programs.
