Srinagar, Oct 27: Project SANMAAN, a pan-India initiative of the Geriatric Orthopaedic Society of India (GOSI) and Moul Mouj Foundation (MMF) to protect the rights and dignity of older persons, was launched during the inaugural session of the 13th International GOSICON-2026 in New Delhi.
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla attended the inaugural session as chief guest. On the occasion, Padma Shri awardee and GOSI Founder President Prof. John Ebnezar presented a memorandum to the Speaker outlining key concerns affecting older persons and introducing the initiative.
Built around three pillars — EMPOWER, PROTECT and SENSITISE — Project SANMAAN aims to raise awareness about the rights of older persons, address elder abuse and neglect, and promote their protection, social inclusion and dignity.
Prof. Ebnezar said the initiative would help senior citizens understand their rights and available legal safeguards while strengthening their safety and ensuring their voices were heard.
Dr Zubair Saleem, Chairman of MMF, said many older persons remained unaware of their rights, leaving some vulnerable to exploitation. He stressed the need to empower them to recognise abuse and seek appropriate assistance.
Dr Shakeel-ur-Rehman, Secretary General of MMF, described the initiative as a significant milestone in efforts to protect older persons from exploitation and injustice. Iqbal M. Shah, Joint Secretary of MMF, emphasised the collective responsibility of families, institutions, businesses and communities in safeguarding their dignity.
The initiative will be implemented across India through awareness campaigns, educational programmes, research and community outreach, in collaboration with institutions and communities.
In Jammu and Kashmir, MMF will spearhead implementation through its Intergenerational Communication Project, led by Prof. Syeda Afshana under the Centre for Interdisciplinary Studies on Ageing (CISA), the Foundation’s research and academic wing.
Project SANMAAN will also promote intergenerational dialogue on social security, elder abuse and access to justice, with the aim of ensuring that older persons are not only cared for but also respected, protected and empowered to live with dignity.
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