ITANAGAR, OCT 1:

Governor Lt Gen KT Parnaik (Retd) flagged off a solo cycling expedition by Abhinav Singh from Lok Bhavan, Itanagar, on Thursday on the occasion of the International Day of Older Persons.

Singh has embarked on a 3,000-km cycling journey from Arunachal Pradesh to Gujarat in memory of his late grandparents.

Extending his best wishes for the expedition, the Governor commended Singh for combining a personal tribute with a social message. He said the initiative would not only demonstrate physical endurance and determination but also highlight society’s responsibility towards senior citizens.

Parnaik advised Singh to use the expedition as a platform to spread awareness about the importance of geriatric care and greater sensitivity towards the elderly. He said the well-being, dignity and security of senior citizens must remain a priority as India progresses towards becoming a developed nation.

The Governor noted that rapid urbanisation and changing family structures can leave senior citizens vulnerable to loneliness, neglect and health-related challenges. He emphasised the need for stronger family bonds, community support systems and greater awareness of geriatric healthcare services.

He expressed hope that the expedition would inspire young people to care for their parents and grandparents, strengthen inter-generational bonds and recognise the contribution of senior citizens to society and nation-building.

Vice Chancellor Prof (Dr) K. Satya Lakshmi, Registrar Dr Prasant Roy, faculty members and students of Indira Gandhi Technological and Medical Sciences University were present at the flag-off ceremony.