Kalamandira brimming with elders from across State and nation

Mysore/Mysuru: A two-day 20th National Conference of AISCCON (All India Senior Citizens Confederation), organised under the aegis of Karnataka State Senior Citizens Association, Belagavi, began at Kalamandira here this morning.

Suttur Seer Sri Shivarathri Deshikendra Swamiji inaugurated the event. He  said that spirit is more important than age for a human being. Observing that the word ‘retirement’ is being used because of the growing population, he said that the guidance of senior citizens is invaluable in building a better society.

Maintaining that youths should follow the guidance of elders, he said that this will play a crucial role in taking forward the society in the right direction. Bemoaning the increasing tendency among today’s youth caring little for their parents, the Seer opined that this is the major reason why so many elderly homes are coming up in cities.

Stressing on the need for the senior citizens to maintain their physical and mental health, the Suttur Seer called for maintaining a medicine-free health by consumption of healthy food and following a simple lifestyle.

Referring to experimental tests where it has been discovered that a change in lifestyle would enable senior citizens to maintain a medicine-free life, the Seer underlined the need for developing a healthy environment around us.

Dr. Ravi Patil of Vijaya Health Institutions, Belagavi, who was the chief guest, highlighted the dangers of elders getting addicted to fast food eateries and junk food.

He called upon senior citizens to be alert on maintaining their nutrition quotient and food habits bereft of oils and fats. He also emphasised on the need for keeping a constant check on their blood pressure and sugar levels.

Earlier, 90-year-old Ramanna, a former Railway employee, was felicitated by the Suttur Mutt Seer. AISCCON President Sri Principal Vishwasrao Bhadane presided. Organising Chairman N. Obaiah, Vice-President Mallappa S. Mudakavi, Mysuru President D. Ravindranath, Karnataka State Senior Citizens Association, Belagavi, President A.Y. Bendigeri and others were present at the meet.

The Kalamandira was filled to the brim with over 1,500 senior citizens from across the State and country taking part. The event which concludes tomorrow features technical sessions and lectures by eminent personalities and subject experts.