CSERF organized the Gurujon Ashor at Rajshahi Shilpakala Academy on December 30, 2016. Around 150 participants were present. A very lively and engaging discussion on the old age issues and on various ways to address them was concluded with an enthusiastic commitment to carry forward this noble initiative of CSERF. This was the first of the divisional level programs being held.
Center of Social and Environmental Research Foundation (CSERF) organized the Gurujon Ashor at Rajshahi Shilpakala Academy on December 30, 2016. The main objective of Gurujon Ashor is to reach out to the senior citizens of the country irrespective of social positions, geographic locations, livelihood and economic classes. Around 150 participants from different government agencies, non-government organizations, local government institutes, individuals and community organizations were present. A very lively and engaging discussion on the old age issues and on various ways to address them was concluded with an enthusiastic commitment to carry forward this noble initiative of CSERF.
Mr. Tariqul Islam, Rajshahi Divisional Coordinator of CSERF in his introductory speech informed that the first meeting of the Gurujon Ashor was held in Dhaka on November 30, 2016 with immense enthusiasm. This encouraged CSERF to hold such programs at all the divisional headquarters of the country. The first of the divisional level program is being held at Rajshahi.
Dr. K. M. Rabiul Karim, Professor, Social Science Faculty, Rajshahi University narrated the objective of CSERF in arranging Gurujon Ashor. He said that raising awareness about the ordeals of the old age is necessary to sensitize the families as well as the society on an issue which is behind the scene. He hoped that all will come forward and take steps to address these issues.
The guest of honour Mr. Riaz Uddin Ahmed recalled the times from bygone years. Those were the happy days when there was lot of enthusiasm in life and strength in the body. Now, all is lost, the old age is a time waiting for a few moments of care and kind-heartedness from others. All we need is company and a little respect. He posed a question whether it is too much to ask from the society.
The Chief Guest of Gurujon Ashor, Mr. Imroz Muhammad Shoeb said that the elders of our society have made their contributions to the family and the society during their younger years. Now that they have become old, we are not giving them the due respect or our time and compassion. Mr. Shoeb emphasized on the responsibility of the family and the society towards the elders.
Prof. Md. Faizar Rahman, Chairperson of the Gurujon Ashor in his concluding speech pointed out that the number aged people of the country are increasing at a rate higher than the national growth rate. This implies that in future, the nation has to support larger number of old age people, who has retired from active professional life. The present society has changed and social and family cohesion is loosening. Consequently, vulnerable people, which include the elders, are becoming helpless and their life has become hard. He lauded the effort of CSERF to bring the issues in for wider discourse. This is very timely and necessary.
A cultural event was held at program which was brought songs and dance sequences from the past. The event was very nostalgic to the elders and enjoyable to others.