Source of inspiration for the country's oldest

    new Delhi. On the occasion of providing the highest respect, India's President, Ram Nath Kovind, said, "Our citizens rewarded with age honors 2017 are the source of inspiration for all of us." Based on the inspirational characteristics of all of you, the films we have seen should be widely spread and spread.  

   All of us have contributed a lot to the amount of contribution you have contributed to in many areas, from motherly love to bravery, to art and sports and to exposure, from medical to public service. I especially honor Mrs. Arvind Daveji, who is more than 100 years of age, and Mr. Chemmacheri Nair Ji, father of more than 101 years of age. By taking inspiration from all of you, 

    I believe that all Indians will make their life more meaningful on the strength of optimism, enthusiasm and courage. President Ram Nath Kovind said that according to the previous census, the population of senior citizens in our country was approximately 10.5 million, which was about eight percent of our total population.  

    There has been an increase in average life expectancy in recent decades due to improvement in health services and other reasons. It is estimated that the number of senior people by the year 2050 will be approximately 19% of our total population.

    President Ram Nath Kovind said that since the ancient times, normal life in our country was considered as a hundred years. For a hundred years, prayers were made to live while living healthy and self-reliant. There is a prayer in the Yajurveda, Patiala Sharad: Shatam, Jeevam Sharad: Shatam Shrunamayam Sharad: Shatam, Prabhavam Sharad: Shatam We can see it for 100 years, live, hear, speak and remain self-sufficient. Perhaps the age of people due to co-ordination with nature and the tradition of being connected to each other in the society will be longer.

  President Ram Nath Kovind said that there is a healthy tradition of honoring, blessing, and caring for the elders in India. It was taught in the schools that people who respectfully serve and always serve the elderly, their age, education, achievement, and strength continue to increase.

    I am happy to know that the Government of India has taken steps for the welfare of the elderly from time to time. Services of specialization will be provided for the treatment of older people. Under the National Health Insurance Scheme implemented with the help of State Governments, additional health insurance is being provided. In January 2017, the Prime Minister has announced the 'Senior Pension Insurance Scheme' to be implemented by the Life Insurance Corporation. Under this scheme income has been ensured for senior citizens for a period of ten years with an annual rate of 8%. Most state governments provide additional contributions to pension for senior citizens.  

     For the protection and security of senior citizens, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has been implemented by the Ministry, whereby the State Governments and officials have been given clear instructions to make the necessary provisions. Senior citizens should be encouraged to live an active life so that they can remain financially independent.

     President Ram Nath Kovind said that under the 'National ViShri Yojana' launched by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, from April 2017, the poverty line is being made available to senior citizens coming to the border. I am told that the Ministry is working on a new policy in the interest of the old people. I express my sincere thanks to the Minister and his team for success in their efforts. I congratulate once again the honored institutions and senior citizens, wish you all the best for a healthy and happy life.