Srinagar, Oct 2: Greater Kashmir celebrated the completion of three years of its pioneering initiative, Senior Citizens’ Lounge, at GK Conference Hall, Industrial Estate Rangreth, on the occasion of International Day of Older Persons (IDOP–2025).
Launched in August 2022, Senior Citizens’ Lounge is a weekly Op-Ed page devoted exclusively to seniors. It is the first such initiative in India, dedicated to addressing the health, social, legal, financial, and emotional issues of the elderly. Edited by a practicing geriatrician, the page combines lived experience with medical expertise, making it a credible and research-driven voice for seniors.
In his welcome remarks, Mehmood-ur-Rashid, Opinion Editor Greater Kashmir, underlined the unique significance of this initiative. While newspapers occasionally publish articles on old age, Senior Citizens’ Lounge stands apart as a sustained, weekly platform that consistently amplifies senior voices.
The event was chaired by Prof. (Dr) Muhammad Yousuf, noted senior doctor and former HOD Internal Medicine, GMC Srinagar, who hailed Greater Kashmir for its contribution in making senior health issues understandable and accessible, and for raising preventive awareness among readers.
Khurshid A. Ganai, Former Advisor to Governor and Chairman GCC J&K, in his message, congratulated Greater Kashmir for serving a vital section of society, stressing the need for elders to stay engaged and connected in today’s fast-paced nuclear family systems.
Syed Kifayat Hussain Rizvi, former Commissioner Secretary to Govt. and President CGPWA, called the initiative transformative—changing the narrative from “old age as disease” to “old age as experience.” He urged sensitizing children to the care of ageing parents while encouraging parents to maintain realistic expectations.
Abdul Rashid Malik, Former District & Sessions Judge and Additional Advocate General J&K & Ladakh, appreciated Greater Kashmir for highlighting not only health but also the rights of seniors, and emphasized the need for greater awareness of elderly rights in society.
Voices of support came from Muhammad Rafi, Former Mission Advisor and Director Education and Secretary GCC J&K, who praised the credibility and impact of the page; Prof. Masooda Yaseen, Former MD WDC, who urged support for Moul Mouj Foundation’s vast work with seniors; Dr. Farida Ashai, Former HOD Anesthesia GMC Srinagar, who said the page encourages seniors to be proactive in health-seeking; and Mandip Kaur, civil society member, who highlighted the intergenerational dialogue promoted by the Lounge.
Retired Government officer and Social activist Ghulam Muhammad Bhat appreciated the “Moul Mouj Health Corner” as an impactful, educative feature engaging both seniors and their adult children.
In his vote of thanks, Dr. Zubair Saleem, Health Editor, Greater Kashmir, expressed gratitude to participants and the entire team of GK Communications for their support and insight,s and especially thanked Fayaz Ahmad Kaloo, Chairman & Managing Director, GK Communications, for his constant support in giving seniors space in Greater Kashmir, Kashmir Uzma, and GKTV.
The event witnessed rich interdisciplinary dialogue and participation of senior citizens from diverse walks of life, alongside the GK Communications team.
Senior Citizens’ Lounge has now become not just a page, but a movement, giving seniors voice, visibility and dignity.
