Suryaa National Desk: The central government has initiated a national program aimed at the welfare, care, and social self-reliance of the elderly. Under the Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana (AVYAY), the 'Vayo Samman Rashtriya Abhiyan'—a campaign for intergenerational connection—is being launched under the leadership of Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Dr. Virendra Kumar. This nationwide movement is designed to bridge the generational gap and foster respect among the youth for senior citizens.
As part of this campaign, citizens aged 18 and above will be mobilized as volunteers to participate in the welfare of the elderly. The government aims to strengthen relationships between generations that have been affected by changing social conditions, migration, and fast-paced lifestyles. The primary objective is to facilitate the transfer of experiences, knowledge, and cultural heritage from senior citizens to the youth, while having the youth assist the elderly with technology and contemporary issues.
The national campaign will be implemented based on a 5C model: Connect, Converse, Co-create, Contribute, and Continue. Activities will span 12 key areas, including digital literacy, health awareness, and skill sharing. Officials stated that interested youth can register as 'Vayo Saathi' volunteers through the Jeevan App or the SCW Samavesh portal. The government has called upon everyone to take responsibility in providing a respectful and secure life for the elderly.