The Government of India, in collaboration with the Brahma Kumaris Spiritual Service Organization, has launched a path-breaking nationwide initiative titled the “Sangam Project.” This program has been designed to restore India’s traditional culture of respecting elders, while ensuring their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. The launch of this initiative marks a significant milestone in senior citizen welfare programs, especially at a time when issues related to aging, loneliness, and health challenges among the elderly are rising across the nation. The project is aligned with the theme “Age with Pride & Live with Dignity,” highlighting the message that every elderly person deserves respect, care, and joyful living.
Grand Inauguration at Silence Retreat Center in Telangana
The official launch of the Sangam Project in the Telugu states took place at the Brahma Kumaris Silence Retreat Center near Bibinagar, Hyderabad. More than a hundred administrators and representatives from various old-age homes and senior care institutions participated in the ceremony. The atmosphere was filled with reverence and inspiration as members of the Brahma Kumaris and experts from the social welfare sector highlighted the importance of this national initiative. The event emphasized the need for holistic health, emotional security, and a social environment where elders feel valued and included.
Vision of ‘Age With Pride & Live With Dignity’
The Sangam Project is rooted in the traditional Indian philosophy that elders are not just senior members of society but guiding forces of wisdom whose presence enriches families and communities. The project aims to revive this cultural strength by increasing awareness about elder welfare and encouraging communities to adopt compassionate practices. By incorporating spiritual empowerment along with modern health practices, the program intends to enhance the quality of life for senior citizens and ensure that aging is seen not as a burden but as a meaningful and dignified stage of life.
Collaborative Implementation Across Village to State Level
During the event, officials explained how the project will be implemented in collaboration with local governments and Brahma Kumaris centers across cities, towns, and villages. Through this joint network, a series of ongoing welfare programs, psychological counseling sessions, meditation workshops, yoga classes, and health awareness camps will be organized. These initiatives are intended to reach elders even in remote rural areas, ensuring that no senior citizen is left behind in the journey toward mental peace and physical well-being. This decentralized structure strengthens the accessibility and impact of welfare services.
Training Sessions for Old-Age Home Administrators
One of the key highlights of the inauguration was the specialized training provided to administrators of old-age homes by social service experts from the Brahma Kumaris International Headquarters. The sessions focused on meditation techniques, personality development, emotional management, and holistic caregiving skills. These training programs aim to transform senior care institutions into spaces where elders feel protected, loved, and mentally enriched. Experts emphasized that when caregivers are emotionally balanced and spiritually aware, their service becomes far more effective and compassionate.
Honoring Leaders Working for Elderly Welfare
The event also featured a special felicitation ceremony to honor individuals and organizations who have been dedicatedly working for senior citizen support across Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. Directors of the Silence Retreat Center, B.K. Raj Kumari and B.K. Sunitha, recognized the contribution of social workers, counselors, old-age home managers, and volunteers who continue to improve the lives of elders. The ceremony symbolized gratitude, respect, and collaboration, reinforcing the idea that elder welfare is a shared responsibility of society.
Presence of Distinguished Guests and Experts
Several eminent personalities graced the launch of the Sangam Project, adding depth and credibility to the initiative. Among them were Brahma Kumaris Social Wing Vice Chairman B.K. Prem Kumar, along with senior members such as B.K. Veerender, B.K. Gireesh, and B.K. Avatar. Telangana State Senior Citizen State Council Member Dr. G. Nageswara Rao participated and emphasized the importance of psychological support and community bonding in elderly care. Leaders of various senior citizen associations from district and state levels also attended, expressing commitment to support and expand the Sangam Project in their respective regions.
A Holistic Approach to Elderly Well-Being
The Sangam Project stands out because of its holistic approach that integrates physical health, emotional stability, and spiritual peace. The Brahma Kumaris organization, known for its global work in meditation and self-development, brings unique value to the program. The initiative recognizes that senior citizens face a range of challenges including loneliness, lack of family support, lifestyle diseases, anxiety, and mobility restrictions. Through structured camps, value-based education, and guided practices, the project seeks to create a nurturing environment where elders feel secure, empowered, and connected with society.
Creating a National Movement for Elder Respect
The long-term objective of the Sangam Project is to build a national movement that revives respect for elders in every household. Organizers emphasized that elder care should not be limited to institutions but should become a natural part of daily family culture. The project aims to inspire young people to develop compassion, patience, and gratitude towards senior citizens. By bridging the gap between generations, the program hopes to foster a society where emotional bonds and cultural values are strengthened, ultimately improving social harmony.
A New Chapter in Elderly Care in India
The national launch of the Sangam Project marks a new era in the welfare of senior citizens in India. The partnership between the Union Government and Brahma Kumaris represents a powerful combination of administrative strength and spiritual wisdom. By promoting dignity, mental peace, and physical well-being, the initiative promises to transform the lives of millions of elders across the country. As it expands across the Telugu states and beyond, Sangam is set to become a beacon of compassion, service, and community empowerment.
