Shazia Shah | Kashmir Pen
Srinagar, June 15: The Managing Committee of Amar Singh Club, Srinagar, organized a significant seminar under its ongoing ‘Common Interest Conversations’ program to mark World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. The event was presided over by the Club’s seniormost patron Dr. Karan Singh and chaired by senior advocate Mr. Zaffar A. Shah.
In his welcome address, Mr. Nasir Hamid Khan, Secretary of Amar Singh Club, expressed deep gratitude to Dr. Karan Singh for his continuous support and inspiration. He underlined the vital role society must play through collective and meaningful interventions to enhance the lives of the elderly and address their growing sense of vulnerability and dependence.
Highlighting the Common Interest Conversations initiative, Mr. Khan shared that various social issues are being addressed through this platform. One of the major proposals discussed was titled ‘Cashmere Cradleland’, which aims to tackle critical concerns such as digital addiction, drug abuse, elder care, mental wellness, unemployment among women, and cultural erosion. He revealed that a proposal to develop this initiative on 139 acres of government land at Tattoo Ground, Srinagar, is currently at stake due to plans to auction the land under the government’s asset monetization policy.
“We don’t need another circus,” Mr. Khan remarked, referring to the proposed Global Amusement Hub. “What we need is a community-driven, culturally-rooted initiative that serves the people of Kashmir with dignity and foresight.”
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Karan Singh spoke on “Multiple Dimensions of Ageing.” He appreciated the vision behind Cashmere Recuperation and Cashmere Cradleland proposals and called for their implementation. Expressing concern over the neglect of senior citizens, Dr. Singh lamented that many continue to be abandoned despite all religions emphasizing respect for parents.
Challenging the traditional retirement age, he said, “With life expectancy now far higher, retiring at 60 is outdated. People have a lot more to offer in their later years.” He stressed on adopting healthier lifestyles early on and spoke against habits like smoking and drinking, emphasizing the importance of spiritual and mental discipline.
Mr. Zaffar Shah, in his address, highlighted the increasing isolation of elders due to the breakdown of joint families and migration of children abroad, resulting in an “empty nest syndrome.” He encouraged retired professionals to establish community centers in their localities and stressed the emotional importance of intergenerational bonding, especially between grandchildren and grandparents.
He referred to the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007, which mandates children to care for their ageing parents and provides for the establishment of old age homes.
Dr. Zubair Saleem, Chairman of Moul Mouj Foundation, presented striking statistics on elder dependency. Only 20% of their elderly patients are financially independent, while 45% depend on their children—most of whom are themselves struggling. He emphasized that neglect is often circumstantial and not always intentional. “Even ignoring a parent’s medical needs constitutes abuse,” he noted.
Dr. Saleem advised the audience to avoid the “three whites” — white sugar, white salt, and white maida — and encouraged regular exercise and healthy eating habits for a better life in old age.
The seminar concluded with Dr. Karan Singh felicitating two of the club’s seniormost members, Mr. M. Amin Kathwari (aged 94) and Dr. Abdul Majeed Siraj (aged 92) with the ‘Active Nonagenarian’ Awards, applauding their exemplary lifestyles and contribution to the community, said Naseer Hamid Khan, secretary Amar Singh Club Srinagar, in a statement
