SENIOR Citizens Day celebrations organised by the Ministry of Social Welfare, Women and Poverty Alleviation yesterday focused on creating an inclusive society.
Permanent secretary for Social Welfare, Women and Poverty Alleviation Govind Sami reiterated on the need for communities to recognise the contributions of the senior citizens.
"One thing is sure when one is born, person starts ageing from day one and this celebration of the senior citizens day is a national celebration to recognise and acknowledge economic, political, social and cultural contributions of senior citizens towards development of Fiji," he said.
About 100 senior citizens from the Senior Citizens Home united with the seniors from as far as Namosi to commemorate the International Day of Older People.
The celebration also saw the presence of President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau and Minister for Social Welfare, Women and Poverty Alleviation Dr Jiko Luveni along with Minister for Local Government, Housing and Environment Colonel Samuela Saumatua.
The seniors were treated to morning tea and entertainment to acknowledge their contribution towards the development of Fiji.
Binodh Kumar, 79, who has been living at the Senior Citizens Home for the past four years made maximum use of yesterday's celebrations to enjoy the day with his friends from the home.
With tears in his eyes and recalling his good days, Mr Kumar said he had worked as a taxidriver for 15 years and when his wife died, Senior Citizens Home was the only place he could find shelter at.
The theme for the celebrations was "Creating an inclusive society that instils dignity, respect for human rights and meets the basic needs through the empowerment of older persons."