‘Elderly are custodians of our collective memory, values, deserve care, respect’
Srinagar, Jun 16: To mark World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD), the Department of Social Work, Kashmir University, in collaboration with the Centre for Interdisciplinary Studies on Ageing (CISA), Moul Mouj Foundation and GK Communications, organised a thought-provoking event under the banner of the Intergenerational Communication Project.
Held at Gandhi Bhawan, the event drew participation from students, scholars, faculty, senior citizens, media persons and representatives from the civil society. The Intergenerational Communication Project, spearheaded by CISA, is an innovative initiative that addresses the silent generational disconnect in modern families. By actively promoting intergenerational bonding, the project facilitates meaningful dialogue, empathy and learning between the young and the elderly through storytelling, school-based programs, workshops and community events.
In her message, Prof. (Dr.) Nilofer Khan, Vice Chancellor, KU noted, “the elderly of our society are the custodians of our collective memory and values. Our support is always with Moul Mouj Foundation in ensuring that our seniors age with dignity, care and belonging.”
Prof. Naseer Iqbal, Registrar, KU said, “this day reminds us of the lifelong sacrifices of our parents and our duty to reciprocate with empathy and active care.”
Prof. Aneesa Shafi, Dean Social Sciences, KU stated, “Beyond care at home, there is a pressing need for robust infrastructural support and a responsive social system that can holistically uplift the well-being of the elderly.”
Prof. Masooda Yaseen, Former MD, Women’s Development Corporation and member of the Advisory Board, Moul Mouj Foundation, added, “We at MMF are committed to building a society where no elder feels invisible or unvalued.”
Prof. Syeda Afshana, Coordinator, DYD, KU and Project Head, emphasised, “Blending tradition with transformation, the project stands as a visionary model that infuses Kashmir’s cultural ethos into the progressive framework of NEP-2020.”
Prof. Shazia Manzoor, Head, Department of Social Work, stated, “This day calls upon all of us, academics, students, and society, to raise our voices against neglect and become part of the movement for elder dignity.”
Dr. Shakeel ur Rehman, Secretary General, Moul Mouj Foundation, reiterated MMF’s commitment, saying, “We are here to listen to what is often left unsaid, the silent pain of abandonment, and transform it into action.”
Dr. Zubair Saleem, Senior Geriatric Consultant, emphasised the importance of sensitive communication in elder care, especially when dealing with frail or cognitively impaired patients. He stressed that the right words, or even respectful silence, can be more healing than medicine.
Dr. Sarafaraz Ahmad, Assistant Professor, DSW, coordinated the event and reflected, “Elder abuse isn’t just what we do, it’s often what we fail to do: to acknowledge, to include, to listen.”
Others who were present, Prof. Afzal Qadri, former Dean Students Welfare, KU M Iqbal Shah, Joint Secretary, MMF, Mandip Kaur, member Advisory Board, MMF, Dr Javaid Rashid, Dr Waqar Amin, Dr Aadil Bashir and Dr Saima Farhad from DSW.
The event also featured a moving stage performance by the students of the Department of Social Work, followed by the screening of “Ghanta Ghar”, a painful short film that explores the emotional dimensions of elder abuse. A major highlight was the release of the Moul Mouj Impact Report (Nov 2024–May 2025), which documents the impact and achievements of MMF. The report also showcases the Foundation’s community-based elder support services, caregiver training, and senior rights awareness efforts.
