SRINAGAR, JUNE 17: The Managing Committee of Amar Singh Club, Srinagar held a seminar under its ‘Common Interest Conversations’ program on the World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on the 15th of June, 2025. The event was presided over by the Club’s seniormost patron Dr Karan Singh and chaired by Senior Advocate Zaffer A Shah.
Nasir Hamid Khan, Secretary Amar Singh Club, in his welcome address, thanked Dr Karan Singh for always being a great source of support and inspiration for the Club. He emphasised the important role society plays through meaningful community interventions to enhance the quality of life of senior citizens and to address their feelings of vulnerability and dependence. Drawing from his experience and daily interactions with senior members, he highlighted that a daily routine and a positive attitude are crucial for enhancing longevity and quality of life.
He also spoke about the ‘Common Interest Conversations’ program through which various social issues are discussed in depth. He mentioned a proposal titled the ‘Cashmere Cradleland’, developed by eminent women professionals, including retired IAS officers, judges, doctors, and educationists. This initiative aims to address societal issues like digital addiction, drug abuse, eldercare, mental wellness, unemployment among women, late marriages, pollution, and cultural identity. He stated that 139 acres of government land at Tattoo Ground, Srinagar had been identified for the project, but this land was now slated for auction under the government’s asset monetisation policy. He argued that turning this parcel into a “Global Amusement Hub” would be a disservice to the people of Kashmir, calling for collective ownership and support of the proposed initiative instead.
Dr Karan Singh, in his lecture titled ‘Multiple Dimensions of Ageing’, praised the Club’s ongoing efforts. He acknowledged two papers, ‘Cashmere Recuperation’ and ‘Cashmere Cradleland’, for their quality and relevance. He condemned the neglect and abuse of the elderly, stressing that all religions promote the respect and care of parents. He questioned the practice of mandatory retirement at 60, calling it outdated. Highlighting the rising life expectancy, he noted that seniors can still contribute meaningfully beyond the retirement age. He also spoke about the importance of a good diet, exercise, and abstaining from harmful habits like smoking and drinking. He dismissed the notion that the mind deteriorates with age, arguing that life experience should sharpen mental faculties.
Zaffer Shah remarked on the increasing public discussion around ageing. He identified the breakdown of joint families and migration of children abroad as key contributors to elder loneliness in Kashmir. He advocated for creating local community centers where retired professionals can interact. He emphasized that retired individuals should remain socially engaged, as they are rich in wisdom and remain vital to the community. He observed that emotional bonds between grandchildren and grandparents are growing, which aids the transfer of culture and values. Stressing the importance of social relationships in old age, he noted that the 2007 legislation—‘The Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act’—underscores the government’s recognition of the need to protect elders, even with punitive provisions against neglectful children.
Dr Zubair Saleem, Chairman of Moul Mouj Foundation, shared statistics from their work. Only 20% of their elderly patients are financially independent, while 35% are semi-independent and 45% are fully dependent on their children. He stressed that neglect often stems from economic hardships, not just lack of will. He observed that many parents never complain about their children, continuing to sacrifice despite challenges. He defined elder abuse not just as physical harm but also emotional neglect, like not being informed about their medication or isolating them at home. He warned against the “three whites”—sugar, salt, and maida—and promoted healthy eating, regular exercise, and a protein-rich diet.
Dr Karan Singh also felicitated two senior-most members, M Amin Kathwari (aged 94) and Dr Abdul Majeed Siraj (aged 92), with the ‘Active Nonagenarian’ Awards in recognition of their exemplary lifestyles.