Union Minister Dr. Veerendra Kumar launches 'Vayo Samman National Mission' to strengthen intergenerational relationships

Union Minister Dr. Veerendra Kumar announced the "Vayo Samman National Mission" at 10:30 AM today during a special program at the Parliament House in New Delhi. The mission, which stands for Vayo (Elderly and Youth), is based on mutual respect and empathy between age groups. Its primary objective is to build bridges between different age groups and promote harmony and unity in society.

Dr. Kumar, while inaugurating the program, stated, “Our society is changing rapidly, and the generational gap is widening simultaneously. We must ensure that the wisdom and experience of the elderly are respected and that the younger generation benefits from their guidance. The ‘Vayo Samman National Mission’ has been designed with this objective in mind.” He added that the mission is not merely a publicity campaign but includes practical steps such as digital education programs for the elderly, health and safety assistance for the elderly by young volunteers, and family dialogue workshops.

Under the mission, five key programs will be launched:

1. Digital Literacy Camps – Computer and internet usage courses specifically designed for elderly individuals aged 18 to 60.
2. Health and Safety Assistance – Home health checks, medication management, and emergency assistance for the elderly provided by young volunteers.
3. Cultural Dialogue Workshops – Cultural programs and storytelling competitions to promote intergenerational dialogue at the family level.
4. Social Entrepreneurship Initiative – Guiding young people to establish small enterprises inspired by the experience of the elderly.
5. National Platform – A national platform will be held every month where representatives from various states will share their experiences and success stories.

Dr. Kumar informed that the central government has allocated a budget of ₹500 crore for this mission, which will be implemented in collaboration with states and local bodies. Additionally, he clarified that this initiative will also be carried out during all major national festivals and events to ensure that every citizen can benefit from the mission.

Along with the inauguration of the mission, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also released a statement praising Dr. Kumar’s initiative and stating that “the combination of respect for the elderly and the energy of the younger generation is the fundamental pillar of our society’s development.” He added that this initiative will play a significant role in promoting inclusivity and tolerance in society.

Social worker and head of a retirement home, Smt. Radha Devi, also welcomed the initiative. She said, “The elderly in our area often face loneliness and neglect. We hope that through this mission, they will once again become part of society and find new opportunities to connect with the youth.”

Meanwhile, many young volunteers and students are enthusiastic about the mission. In a workshop held at a college in Delhi, students prepared a small project on the use of digital devices in collaboration with the elderly, which Dr. Kumar deemed commendable.

Under the mission, the central government has also decided to establish a “Vayo Samman Center” in every state, where the elderly and the youth will be brought together to organize various programs. Additionally, the “Vayo Samman App” will be launched, which will connect the elderly to the digital world while also providing a platform for young volunteers.

Concluding his address, Dr. Veerendra Kumar said, “Through this mission, we will not only enhance the respect for the elderly but also develop the younger generation as responsible and sensitive citizens. This is a new direction for all sections of society, in which all of us need to participate.”

Thus, with the launch of the “Vayo Samman National Mission,” a new chapter is being written in the social fabric of India, taking steps toward a prosperous, inclusive, and empathetic society by bridging the gap between generations.