Join the Vayo SAATHI Initiative to Support Senior Citizens
The Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has called upon citizens aged 18 and older to volunteer for the Vayo SAATHI initiative. This program is a key aspect of the recently unveiled Vayo Samman Rashtriya Abhiyan, aimed at promoting intergenerational bonding under the Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana (AVYAY). The initiative invites participation from students, young professionals, and community volunteers to enhance the welfare, dignity, and social inclusion of senior citizens.
What is Vayo SAATHI?
Vayo SAATHI stands for Support, Awareness, Assistance, Training, Health, and Inclusion. As volunteers register, they will serve as friends and facilitators for older adults, helping to improve their social connections and overall well-being. Each volunteer will receive a Vayo SAATHI Certificate, acknowledging their valuable contributions.
How to Get Involved
Interested citizens can register on the Senior Citizens Welfare (SCW) Single Access Mechanism For All Verticals of Empowerment And Social Harmony (SAMAVESH) Portal at https://seniorcitizen.dosje.gov.in/vayo-sathi. They can also utilize the JEEVAN mobile application to join this national movement, which seeks to enhance intergenerational relationships and engage seniors more actively in society.
Support for Senior Citizens
Volunteers will be essential in assisting older adults with accessing digital services, understanding welfare-related information, and gaining community support. The initiative places a strong emphasis on promoting digital literacy and awareness about cybersecurity while encouraging seniors’ active participation in community life.
Campaign Launch and Objectives
Dr. Virendra Kumar, the Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment, recently inaugurated the Vayo Samman Rashtriya Abhiyan in New Delhi. This campaign aims to strengthen bonds between generations by leveraging the experience and wisdom of senior citizens alongside the vitality of younger people. The campaign revolves around a ‘5C’ model—Connect, Converse, Co-create, Contribute, and Continue—which fosters ongoing engagement between generations.
Thematic Areas for Engagement
The campaign encompasses twelve key thematic areas, such as ‘30 Minutes Together,’ ‘Teach Me – I’ll Teach You,’ ‘My Story, My India,’ ‘Digital Dada-Dadi / Digital Saathi,’ ‘Generation Health & Wellness,’ and ‘Silver Skills – Seniors as Mentors.’ These themes are designed to promote companionship, share life stories, enhance digital skills, and recognize senior citizens as mentors and vital contributors to the community.
A Call to Action
The Vayo SAATHI initiative is an opportunity for individuals to engage in meaningful activities that benefit senior citizens, such as spending quality time together, helping them navigate digital platforms, and facilitating their involvement in local events. The Ministry encourages participation from families, youth organizations, universities, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), resident welfare associations (RWAs), and corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives to mobilize volunteers.
To support the initiative, the Ministry has also published a Handbook on the Vayo Samman Rashtriya Abhiyan, outlining objectives, strategies, and various roles for states, districts, and community organizations involved in the campaign. Through these efforts, the Ministry aims to cultivate a culture of respect, care, and solidarity across generations, highlighting the invaluable contributions of senior citizens to society.
