The keynote address was delivered by scholar Prof Mala Kapur Shankardass, an eminent social scientist formerly of the University of Delhi. She highlighted the importance of transitioning older adults from a position of dependency to autonomy and active participation. Her speech called for a comprehensive, inclusive and forward-looking policy and planning framework that recognises older adults as integral, active members of society. Additionally, the guest of honour, Doreen Lyngwa, Director of Meghalaya’s Social Welfare Department, encapsulated the government’s initiatives towards children, youth and the elderly.
Following the inaugural session, two technical sessions were held, chaired by Prof Susmita Sengupta, Head of NEHU’s Department of Political Science, and Prof Shoban N Lamare, Head of NEHU’s Department of History. The sessions featured speakers who discussed the challenges faced by the elderly, different policy responses, everyday experiences of the aged, social inclusion in the North East, limitations on locomotion and urban design in the context of ‘smart cities.’
Today included two more technical sessions, chaired by Prof Desmond L Kharmawphlang, Head of NEHU’s Department of Cultural and Creative Studies, and Prof DV Kumar from NEHU’s Department of Sociology. These sessions focused on legal safeguards for the elderly in India, care and security policies for the aging population, reflections on geriatric medicine and the family’s role in caregiving. They also examined bidirectional multimorbidity and disability in the elderly within the North East context. The conference concluded with a valedictory address by Prof RK Mohanty, Head of the Department of Sociology at Mizoram University, chaired by Prof Panda, and a rapporteur’s report presented by Rashi Bhargava from NEHU’s Department of Sociology.
