Governor HR Bhardwaj on Monday came out in the open against the Karnataka government’s negligence in focusing on issues pertaining to senior citizens in the state during the ‘10th Karnataka state-level senior citizens’ conference’, held at the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan. The conference was inaugurated by the governor.
Speaking on the occasion, he said the government invested money only in places that guaranteed good returns in terms of votes. “Today, the government has no time to think about senior citizens. This is a tragedy that the chief ministers too do not do any good for the elderly people,” said Bhardwaj.
The governor said, “I am not accusing the government of not doing anything, but a social initiative should come from it before the citizens ask for it.”
He further said that there should be one senior-citizens’ home in every district, for which, the government should bear all the expenses.
Stressing the need for donations, he said that he gives money for causes since he believes in giving back to the society. “I feel the rich should contribute generously towards the society as, in any case, one cannot take their wealth with them when they die. If Americans can come to India and do charity work, why can’t we Indians contribute for our countrymen?” he asked.
Talking on a more spiritual plane, the governor said, “The soul is permanent but the body is perishable; wherever you are, do your karma to the society. The medical and law professions — considered noble professions — too cater to the rich in the society. People in these professions should go-ahead on their ethics. An example to follow here is the Narayana Nethralaya that conducts free surgeries to the poor.”
Advice to senior citizens
The governor advised the senior citizens that they should live a dignified life.
Cautioning them against giving away all the money to their children, he said they should save some for old age. During his tenure as the Union law minister, he had come across many affluent people who were disowned by their children once the property was handed over to the latter, he said.
During the function, the governor released the special issue of the senior-citizens’ book titled Hiriya Prajegalu.
Senior citizens Dr NK Venkataramana, vice-chairman of the BGS Global Hospital and NY Ramanath, president of the senior citizens’ welfare association, were felicitated on the occasion.
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