International Conference on Elderly Citizens Begins in Kathmandu

Kathmandu. A two-day international conference focused on the condition of elderly citizens, existing challenges, and inter-generational knowledge transfer has begun in Kathmandu.

The conference, organized by Manmohan Smriti Pratishthan, was inaugurated by President Ramchandra Paudel. Addressing the conference, CPN (UML) leader Ishwar Pokharel stated that elderly citizens should not only be confined to social security and respect but should also be recognized as an important source of knowledge and experience.

He expressed the view that the experience of elderly citizens should be utilized in state governance, social transformation, and family prosperity. Remembering the contribution of Manmohan Adhikari, the first democratically elected communist prime minister who initiated the social security program in Nepal, leader Pokharel informed that the Pratishthan has been carrying out various creative activities to perpetuate his thoughts and integrity.

The Pratishthan, established in 2056 BS, has been organizing country tours, felicitation programs, health camps, and literary activities for the elderly. Furthermore, Pokharel stated that work is also being done in the field of self-employment by establishing Manmohan Technical University in Morang to provide technical education to the youth.

He said, 'It is a matter of joy that the foundation of respect for the elderly laid by the late Adhikari is now being embraced by governments at all levels and society. Now, it needs to be further refined and their experiences should be integrated into the campaign for development.'

The Pratishthan has stated that the conclusions obtained from the conference will be published as a systematic record and provided to the relevant bodies of the state for policy-making. - News Agency Nepal