Srinagar, Oct 1: Vice Chancellor, University of Kashmir, Prof. Nilofer Khan, today inaugurated International Day of Older Persons (IDOP-2026) programme at Gandhi Bhawan, University of Kashmir, organised under the theme “Wisdom Beyond Retirement.”
The programme was organised by Directorate of Lifelong Learning and Skill Development (DLL&SD), University of Kashmir, in collaboration with Centre for Interdisciplinary Studies on Ageing (CISA), Moul Mouj Foundation and Geriatric Orthopedic Society of India, Bengaluru, under the Intergenerational Communication Project.
The programme highlighted the contribution, experience, dignity and rights of older persons and also connected the intergenerational message with the broader Viksit Bharat @2047 vision, which emphasises citizens’ active participation in nation-building.
In her keynote address, Prof. Nilofer Khan said retirement may end a formal designation, but “wisdom does not retire.” She said the capacity to guide, mentor, teach and contribute also does not retire. Describing retired faculty and non-teaching staff as an important part of the University’s institutional memory, she said their experiences and knowledge constitute a “living archive of the University of Kashmir.”
Registrar KU, Prof. Naseer Iqbal said that, in line with NEP-2020, University is moving beyond its campus and connecting with society through lifelong learning, mentoring, community outreach, health awareness and intergenerational programmes. He also called for a shift from “care alone to care with dignity, participation and purpose.”
Dean, School of Open Learning KU, Prof. Mushtaq Ahmad Dar, said: “Ageing is not a closing chapter; it is another opportunity to share, teach, learn and remain connected with society.”
In his welcome address, Director, DLL&SD, Prof. Bashir Ahmad Joo, said “Retirement should not be an endpoint; it should become a new beginning in which experience becomes a resource for the next generation.”
Senior Geriatric Consultant and Gerontologist Dr. Zubair Saleem said the most important thing for older persons is to remain active, engaged and socially connected. He emphasised upon physical movement, remaining busy, socialising and sharing of expertise with younger generations, saying meaningful engagement can help overcome loneliness and restore a sense of purpose.
Speakers also discussed health issues, legal rights and social concerns affecting seniors. Participants were advised to exercise caution before transferring property to children or others and to seek appropriate legal advice, particularly where future care and maintenance are concerned.
The unique “Let’s Share Our Experiences” session turned the audience into active participants, bringing together retired teaching and non-teaching staff, bank officials and civil society representatives who shared their experiences, concerns and suggestions, and called for regular initiatives on mentoring, lifelong learning, health and social engagement.
The Program was part of the Intergenerational Communication Project, launched by CISA in 2024 and headed by Prof. Syeda Afshana, aimed at bridging generations through dialogue and shared learning. The event was coordinated by Waseem Hassan Raja, Project Officer, DLL&SD.
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