Sri Vijaya Puram: The Andaman & Nicobar Administration has launched its first in a series of elderly wellness camps under the Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana (AVYAY), in collaboration with the Brahma Kumaris, to promote mental health, spiritual awareness, and overall well being of senior citizens in the Union Territory.
The initiative stems from a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment and the Brahma Kumaris, a spiritual organisation with a wide network of social outreach. The Department of Social Welfare is spearheading the local implementation of the initiative, with a full calendar of wellness and awareness programs planned for the current financial year.
The first programme was organised at the Old Age Home situated at Abhyudaya Complex, Ferrargunj. In addition to the elderly residents, young boys who also reside within the same facility participated in the event, which focused on basic health awareness, mental wellness, and mindfulness practices.
Conducting the session was Sister Sharmista from the Brahma Kumaris, who led discussions on the importance of maintaining mental health through regular reflection, emotional regulation, and spiritual balance. She stressed that mental wellbeing is not an event but a continuous journey, particularly important for senior citizens facing isolation, health issues, or the psychological effects of aging.
The session included guided yoga and meditation activities designed to help participants relieve stress and promote inner peace. Organisers said the programme aims to offer not just temporary relief but tools that elderly individuals can incorporate into their daily lives to improve their emotional resilience.
This integrated model of care, combining physical, mental, and spiritual dimensions, has been designed to redefine the way senior care is approached in institutional settings. With loneliness and neglect being persistent issues among the elderly, especially those in care homes, officials say that programs like these are intended to build community and restore dignity and engagement in later life.
Coordination for the inaugural programme was led by Monalisa Biswas, Supervisor, and Sheela Kar, In-charge of the Senior Citizen Home in Ferrargunj. The overall supervision and implementation were carried out under the guidance of Reeta Devi, the designated Nodal Officer for Senior Citizens.
Encouraged by the response at Ferrargunj, the next event is scheduled to be held on July 3 in Guptapara. Local PRI (Panchayati Raj Institutions) members are expected to assist with the logistical and outreach efforts, allowing greater participation from rural and semi-urban pockets.
These sessions will soon expand to cover a broader range of themes, such as chronic disease management, spiritual counseling, and community bonding, to foster a holistic wellness ecosystem for the elderly. Special attention is also being given to aligning activities with the cultural and emotional sensibilities of local populations.
The AVYAY program, launched by the central government, is envisioned as a comprehensive framework to ensure that elderly citizens not only receive basic services but also experience quality of life and social inclusion. The Andaman chapter marks an important step in translating that vision into ground-level action.
