By Muslim Mirror News
Guwahati , 20 Dec 2015 : About 100 senior citizen members of the Minority Welfare Society (MWS) were felicitated in a meeting held at the Murshidul Alam Memorial Hall at Nabamilan Path Dispur in Guwahati on Sunday. It may be mentioned here that MWS is a social organisation of minority community people who trace their origin to the Barak Valley but are now settled in Guwahati on account of professional or vocational reasons. MWS connects more than 4,000 people through over 350 families who are its members.
At the outset, Mukhtar Hussain Ahmed Choudhury, President of MWS and former IT Commissioner of Taxes, Govt of Assam welcomed all senior citizens and others members present on the occasion. This was followed by recitation from the Holy Quran rendered by Md Alauddin.
Abdul Waris Chowdhury, General Secretary MWS and former Supdt of Excise, Govt of Assam, informed the gathering that MWS involved in social services for over 20 years now and from last three years it has focussed its attention to issues relating to senior citizens. MWS has constituted teams that visit senior citizens when they are indisposed and offers help for their medical check up and other domestic needs.
Jiyauddin Choudhdury, former Addl Registrar of Coop Societies, Assam spoke on the life style of senior citizens in developed countries such as the USA and gave a comparative picture with that in India. He said, social bonds are stronger in India and as such senior citizens do not suffer from depression and anguish here as much as they do in the USA.
Bani Amin Laskar, former Asstt General Manager, SBI, stressed upon positive thinking and said positive thinking facilitates good mental health. Ali Haidar Laskar, educationist and historian, spoke on the need for publications to showcase the rich legacy of thinkers and spiritual leaders of the Barak Valley that could guide the young generation in the right direction.
Sofia Ahmed Barlaskar, educationist, appealed to senior citizens to adapt to changing times and not to be over demanding from their children. Abu Saleh Najmuddin, former Health Minister, Assam requested MWS to constitute a new forum for senior citizens to facilitate their involvement in socially beneficial activities and provide them with opportunities to pass time in constructive activities.
All senior citizens were presented with jainamaz (prayer mats) and treated to a community lunch.