Summary of this article
· SAHAJ initiative unveiled by MoSJE focuses on senior citizens' empowerment
· Vriddha Mitra Toolkit acts as a bridge between policies and seniors' needs
· Shinkhala Talk Series discusses ageing challenges and solutions
The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE) has launched two initiatives for senior citizens in India to empower them and advance their well-being by incorporating intergenerational bonds and promoting an innovative model for elderly care. These initiatives include:
“SAHAJ,” under which a Vriddha Mitra Toolkit was launched
“Shrinkhala – HUM”, a second edition of the talk series titled, “Anubhav aur Utsaah ka Sangam”
In an event held n September 23, 2025, the Department of Social Justice & Empowerment facilitated the launch of the Vriddha Mitra Toolkit, developed by the Society of Community Health Oriented Operational Links (SCHOOL), under the SAHAJ initiative, has been designed to act as a bridge between the government policy and seniors’ needs at the grassroots level to incorporate empathy and practicality in policy making.
The initiative unites senior citizens, government officials, social entrepreneurs, partner organisations, and youth delegates. The idea is to ensure that the elderly are seen as contributors and not just the beneficiaries of the schemes.
There is the Vriddha Mitra portal that seniors can visit to experience an inclusive community engagement.
The Shrinkhala Talk series was launched in 2024 with the “Ageing with Dignity” theme to bring senior citizens and policymakers together to discuss ageing-related challenges for taking proactive solutions. This time, it was the launch of the second edition to build on the foundation created last year, to show inspiring real-life stories and community-based elder care models, and to show how collective responsibility can transform elderly lives.
In the event, Union Minister Virendra Kumar emphasised that the talk series (HUM) – Anubhav aur Utsaah ka Sangam is more than a theme — it is a transformative consciousness moving from “I” to “We”. He also praised innovative initiatives by senior citizens, such as PICO Farm Stay, Poonambhai Patel’s Community Kitchen model, and Maitri, which addresses seniors’ social exclusion.
The department affirmed its commitment to making ageing dignified and inclusive, in collaboration with the State governments, civil societies, and corporates to pilot rural elderly-driven ecosystem, community-centric care models, intergenerational mentorships, and women-led enterprises for older adults.
Such initiatives and spreading awareness about senior care and the elderly ecosystem are aimed at building a nationwide ecosystem for the elderly so that they remain connected and empowered.
