Union Minister Dr Virendra Kumar Launches ‘Vayo Samman Rashtriya Abhiyan’ to Strengthen Intergenerational Bonding

Key Highlights:

• Union Minister Dr. Virendra Kumar launched ‘Vayo Samman Rashtriya Abhiyan’, a national intergenerational bonding campaign.
• The initiative operates under the umbrella of the Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana (AVYAY).
• It aims to strengthen intergenerational solidarity and promote the well-being and dignity of senior citizens.
• Key components include a handbook, the Vayo SAATHI volunteer initiative, and MoUs with voluntary organizations for wellness programs.
• India's population aged 60 years and above is projected to increase from approximately 10 crore in 2011 to 23 crore by 2036.

Detailed Insights:

• The Abhiyan addresses challenges faced by senior citizens such as loneliness, limited awareness of welfare schemes, and vulnerability to cyber fraud.
• It promotes mutual learning, where youth connect elders to the digital world and elders impart life values to youth.
• The campaign is based on a ‘5C’ model: Connect, Converse, Co-create, Contribute, and Continue, fostering sustained engagement.
• It encompasses twelve thematic areas, including 'Digital Dada-Dadi' for digital literacy and 'Silver Skills' recognizing seniors as mentors.
• Vayo SAATHI is a digitally enabled volunteer program for citizens aged 18+, accessible via the SCW SAMAVESH Portal or JEEVAN App.
• Implementation will reach villages and mohallas through Panchayats, local bodies, and educational institutions, emphasizing shared social commitment.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana (AVYAY): An umbrella scheme by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment for the welfare of senior citizens.
• Intergenerational Bonding: The process of fostering positive relationships and mutual understanding between different age groups.
• Vayo SAATHI: A volunteer initiative under Vayo Samman Rashtriya Abhiyan to support and connect with senior citizens.