International Day of Older Persons Celebrated at Zimskhang Old Age Home in Leh.

International Day of Older Persons Celebrated at Zimskhang Old Age Home in Leh.
Leh, October 1, 2026: The International Day of Older Persons was celebrated with enthusiasm and joy at Zimskhang Old Age Home, Leh, with the event organised by the District Social Welfare Office, Leh, in collaboration with the Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre (MIMC), Leh, and the Medical Department, Leh.
The programme commenced with the National Song followed by the National Anthem. The event was graced by Venerable Bhikkhu Sanghasena, Founder of the Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre (MIMC), Leh; Dr. Zahida Banoo, JKAS, Director, Social and Tribal Welfare, UT Ladakh; and Dr. Rinchen Chosdol, Chief Medical Officer, Leh, besides other dignitaries, officials, students, staff and elderly persons.
Welcoming the gathering, District Social Welfare Officer, Leh, Nilza Angmo, JKAS, extended a warm welcome to all the dignitaries, participants and older persons and presented traditional khataks to the dignitaries. She highlighted the significance of the International Day of Older Persons and said that the day is dedicated to recognising and honouring the contributions, dignity and well-being of older persons.
She informed that the old age home Zimskhang Old Age has been established to provide care and support to older persons and that this was the first time that the International Day of Older Persons was being celebrated at the old age home. She further informed that the Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre and the Social Welfare Department have signed an MoU for the building. She said that the combined efforts and support of the Mahabodhi Centre and the Government have made the initiative successful and would contribute towards the welfare and well-being of older persons. She reiterated that the occasion was dedicated to the older persons.
The celebration was enlivened by colourful cultural performances presented by the Ladakh Academic, Art and Culture group, featuring traditional dances and songs. Students from the Mahabodhi Centre also presented cultural performances and offered flowers and khataks as expressions of love, respect and joy in celebrating the occasion with the elderly persons. The older persons also actively participated in the dance performances, making the celebration more joyful and memorable.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Rinchen Chosdol, Chief Medical Officer, Leh, congratulated the older persons and said that the day was dedicated to them. She expressed her gratitude to Venerable Bhikkhu Sanghasena for establishing the old age home at the Mahabodhi Centre and noted that the Government is also extending necessary facilities and support.
She said that older persons may sometimes face difficulties at home due to lack of adequate support and assistance, while the old age home provides them with good facilities and an environment where they can live a comfortable and joyful life. She highlighted that the Mahabodhi Old Age Centre focuses not only on providing a place to stay but also on ensuring physical well-being and emotional support for the elderly.
Dr. Chosdol assured that the Medical Department, Leh, would remain ready to provide assistance and support whenever required. She also appreciated older persons for preserving and carrying forward the rich cultural traditions of Ladakh and wished them a long and healthy life.
Addressing the occasion, Venerable Bhikkhu Sanghasena, Founder of MIMC Leh, welcomed all the dignitaries and participants and highlighted the importance of the International Day of Older Persons, which is celebrated across the world. He said that the Mahabodhi Old Age Centre has been observing the day and that this was the first time the celebration was being organised at Zimskhang Old Age home in this manner. He also informed that the Mahabodhi Centre celebrates the occasion over two days.
Venerable Bhikkhu Sanghasena appreciated the Social Welfare Department for organising the programme and bringing together various cultural performances, which made the occasion joyful and meaningful. He expressed hope that such celebrations would continue in the future as well.
He observed that in the present generation, programmes and activities dedicated specifically to older persons are comparatively fewer than those organised for younger people, making such an occasion important for recognising their needs and contributions. He emphasised that older persons require greater attention and care and appreciated the Government for introducing special schemes and support measures for them.
He said that the old age home provides a supportive environment and necessary facilities for older persons and emphasised that sending elderly persons to an old age home should not be considered a negative thing when the facility provides them with proper care, dignity and support.
Venerable Bhikkhu Sanghasena also spoke about the hospice, where people learn and engage in prayer, meditation and other activities. He informed that the Mahabodhi Old Age Home provides facilities including medicines, food and other necessary requirements for the elderly. He emphasised that the Centre not only provides these facilities but also serves older persons with love, care and emotional support.
He further informed about a new initiative of the Mahabodhi Old Age Home called “Donate One Day Meal”, through which people can donate a day’s meal to the older persons and celebrate their birthdays or other special occasions with them. He also said that the Centre encourages its students to help and care for older persons and urged the younger generation not to forget their responsibility towards the elderly.
The celebration was further marked by cultural performances, a cake-cutting ceremony and the distribution of small gifts/presents to the older persons. Singer Ilyaz Khan also performed a song dedicated to the older persons, adding to the joy of the occasion and making the celebration memorable for them.
The event concluded with a dance performance, bringing the celebration to a joyful close and reinforcing the message of respect, care, dignity and emotional support for older persons.