Card for senior citizens

Satyajit (second from left) presenting the Dignity Donor Privilege Programme card to his parents V.P. Dhananjayan and Shanta Dhananjayan at a function held in Chennai on Friday. Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment D. Napoleon and K. Radhakrishnan, Director, Dignity Foundation, Chennai (extreme left) are in the picture. Photo: S. Thanthoni

Senior citizens from different walks of life were enlightened about the new Dignity Donor Privilege Programme (DDPP), which entitles elders above 50 years to a host of benefits and services, at a function held here on Friday.

Dignity Foundation, a non-governmental organisation working for the cause and care of elderly citizens, launched the DDPP card in the presence of Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment D. Napoleon.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Napoleon said nuclear families are getting common and elders need to be given their due respect in their twilight years.

He said the government gives Rs.400 as allowance for senior citizens, but the secret of old age is to stay young and healthy with will power.

Bharatanatyam exponents V.P. Dhananjayan and Shanta Dhananjayan were presented the first DDPP donor card by their son Satyajit. Dhananjayan wanted more youngsters to be sensitised about such programmes for the elders.

He said youngsters must gift the donor card to their parents and grandparents.