With respect, dignity, and rights of the elderly in the forefront, International Day of Older Persons 2026 was celebrated with great grandeur and dignity in Siliguri, the principal commercial city of North Bengal.
Siliguri:
As age increases, human physical strength and working capacity may decrease to some extent, but the experience gained through a long struggle in life never becomes old or fades. Senior citizens have an unforgettable contribution in building society, protecting family values, and in the overall progress of civilization. Giving due respect to this long experience and eternal values, the International Day of Older Persons was celebrated very significantly this year.
A special and colorful event was organized in Siliguri, the gateway to North Bengal and the main commercial city, on the occasion of the International Day of Older Persons 2026. This program was held with great enthusiasm and excitement at the Ramkinkar Hall of Dinabandhu Manch, one of the city's major cultural centers. Many distinguished senior citizens and intellectuals from various parts of Siliguri and its surrounding areas enthusiastically attended the event.
This International Day of Older Persons was observed keeping in the forefront the society's overall accountability towards senior citizens, improvement of their quality of life, preservation of a respectable life and dignity, geriatric physical security, legal rights, and their very important role in social life. Social issues such as the tendency of joint families breaking down in the present modern era and the isolation faced by some elderly people were also highlighted in the discussion. Through this program, alongside paying deep respect to this older generation who have enriched the family, society, and country brick by brick through their life's long journey, a strong message was also conveyed wishing them good health, mental joy, and always standing by them in times of trouble.
Distinguished speakers present at the event unanimously agreed that the elderly are never a burden or a marginal part of society—they are actually the living treasury of society's true experience. Their role is immense in guiding the new generation properly and teaching them morality. Therefore, ensuring their guaranteed respect, security, advanced medical care, and protection of social dignity is the moral and social duty of every conscious citizen of the present and coming generation. Along with felicitating the elderly, the entire event transformed into an emotional and joyous atmosphere through cultural performances.
