Navi Mumbai :- Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation marked a momentous occasion on October 1, 2023, by celebrating International Senior Citizens’ Day with grandeur and respect. The event, organized to honor the artistic and sporting achievements of senior citizens, took place at the Vishnudas Bhave Natyagriha in Vashi, Navi Mumbai.
The event was graced by dignitaries, including Mr. Ganesh Naik, Member of the Legislative Assembly for Airoli; Mrs. Mandatai Mhatre, Member of the Legislative Assembly for Belapur; Mr. Ramesh Patil, Member of the Legislative Council; Mr. Rajesh Narvekar, Municipal Commissioner; Mr. Vijaykumar Mhasal, Additional Municipal Commissioner; Dr. Shriram Pawar, Deputy Commissioner of Social Development; Dr. Prashant Javade, Chief Medical Officer; and former councilor Mr. Netra Shirke and Mr. G.S. Patil, Deputy Chairman of the All India Senior Citizens’ Organization and member of the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation Senior Citizens’ Class.
Navi Mumbai proudly boasts the first-ever Senior Citizens’ Center, which began in the city and has since been emulated by other cities across India. Mr. Ganesh Naik shared his vision of establishing similar centers in every ward to provide various facilities to senior citizens, ensuring their well-being.
Mrs. Mandatai Mhatre also highlighted the city’s commitment to offering excellent services to senior citizens and suggested further improvements, emphasizing quick implementation.
Mr. Ramesh Patil praised the residents of Navi Mumbai for their positive contribution to the city, while underscoring the importance of the upcoming generation carrying forward this legacy.
Mr. Rajesh Narvekar, Navi Mumbai’s Municipal Commissioner, announced the establishment of a dedicated Senior Citizens’ Ward to provide services and support tailored to their needs. This initiative is expected to be launched soon, and it aims to address the concerns of seniors who often worry about where to leave their elderly parents for a few days.
The event featured various art and sports competitions for senior citizens, with winners being awarded tokens of appreciation and recognition. Notably, 15 couples celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary were honored, along with 75 other senior citizens.
Additionally, seniors participated in a wide range of competitions, including music, dance, poetry recitation, storytelling, comedy, telephone conversations, letter writing, essay writing, chess, bridge, and intelligence tests. Several distinguished individuals, such as Mr. Madhavi Deshmukh, Mr. Pratik Satpute, Ms. Sindhu Nair, Mr. Ravindra Parakar, Ms. Shubhangi Salunkhe, Mr. Sanjay Gadkari, and Ms. Pallavi Bulakhe, were recognized for their achievements.
The festivities began with a cleanliness drive, aligned with the “Cleanliness is Service” campaign, involving hundreds of senior citizens. Padma Shri Shankar Mahadevan, the brand ambassador for Swachh Navi Mumbai Mission, was also present at the event, along with Mr. Ganesh Naik, Mrs. Mandatai Mhatre, Mr. Rajesh Narvekar, and other officials, employees, and citizens.
The event showcased the artistic and cultural talents of senior citizens, making International Senior Citizens’ Day a truly joyous and memorable occasion for all.
As Navi Mumbai continues to lead the way in providing services and support for senior citizens, the city reaffirms its commitment to the well-being and happiness of its elderly residents.
