HAPPY SENIOR CITIZENS DAY!
AUGUST 21 is observed as World Senior Citizens Day. While in Goa I became a senior citizen at 60, but in most parts of Europe I would be a senior citizen only after I turn 65 next year. In Europe it is so heartening to see those in their 80’s and even 90’s enjoying an active life.
Hopefully, I intend to cruise this last quarter of my life exploring the unseen while living the rest of my life to the fullest. After all, the ethos of my life, as I have said many times, is that true fulfilment of life doesn’t come from what we get, it comes from what we give, with gratitude as the most single important ingredient of a successful and fulfilled life.
In this short life of ours, much can be achieved against all the odds and challenges. With determination, self-belief and in the quest for truth and justice any obstacles can be overcome without fear or trepidation.
The American poet and humanitarian Samuel Ullman had rightly said “Nobody grows old merely by living a number of years. We grow old by deserting our ideals. Years may wrinkle the skin, but to give up enthusiasm wrinkles the soul.”
–Aires Rodrigues, London
Axis Bank celebrates World Senior Citizen Day across its 5430+ Branches pan India
`WORLD SENIORS DAY’ CELEBRATED BY AXIS BANK
ON AUGUST 21, 2024 the Axis Bank, one of India’s leading private sector banks celebrated “World Senior Citizens Day” by felicitating its senior customers across its 5430+ branches pan-India. The celebration raised awareness about the best investment options for them such as Mutual Funds, Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs), Term Deposits (TDs) and other specialized financial services.
The bank informed senior citizens about its “Silver Lining Program” — a comprehensive suite of offerings, specifically curated to address the banking requirements of the elderly. This program offers smart and relevant benefits such as
- Dedicated Relationship Manager
- Up to 15% discount on Apollo Pharmacies and up to 20% off at several diagnostic centres
- Up to 0.75% higher interest rate on Axis Bank Term Deposits
- Special fares and zero convenience fee on flight booking via travel edge concierge service to help with bookings.
- Complimentary Rs1,500 voucher on domestic flight tickets via travel edge.
- Complimentary 6 months Sony Liv Membership
Speaking on the occasion Arnika Dixit, President & Head-Branch Banking, said, “At Axis Bank we believe that serving our customers goes beyond providing financial services. This initiative reflects the deep respect and commitment that we have for senior citizens, the backbone of our society.”
The celebration was marked with the Axis Bank collaborating with its health and general insurance partners at select Axis Bank branches to provide free digital health check-ups for senior citizens, which included Body Mass Index (BMI), blood pressure, oxygen saturation, heart rate, respiratory rate, etc. The bank announced exclusive offers, like discounts of up to 21% on purchase of medicines through the online healthcare platform — Optimists.
ST MEETING OF THE EXPOSITION
ST FRANCIS XAVIER EXPOSITION 2024: THE first meeting of the Exposition Secretariat Committee chaired by Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant was held on August 23, 2024 at the Mantralaya, Porvorim. The meeting focused on planning and arrangements for the St Francis Xavier Exposition 2024 coming up in Old Goa from November 21, 2024 to January 5, 2025, spanning 45 days.
The CM emphasized the government’s commitment to providing excellent facilities for pilgrims, ensuring a smooth and successful event. He reviewed existing infrastructure, requirement of new infrastructure, traffic and other arrangements in the Old Goa, Cumbharjua areas.
To enhance the pilgrimage experience a dedicated portal will be launched in collaboration with the Archdiocese of Goa. This portal will allow pilgrims to book accommodation and manage their visit with systematic queue management options, especially for sick and differently-able persons. Pilgrim Centres will be established around the Church area and an art exhibition featuring 65 Goan artists will be held at Santa Monica Church.
The meeting discussed essential needs such as road access, toilets, beautification, illumination, and signage. Additionally, CCTV cameras will be installed for security, and covered walkways, washrooms, drinking water booths, and a dedicated parking system will be set up. Electric buggies will be provided to assist the elderly and differently-abled pilgrims.
The meeting was attended by Mauvin Godinho (Minister for Panchayat and Dy Chairperson of Exposition Secretariat Committee), Aleixo Sequeira (Minister for Environment and Dy Chairperson of Exposition Secretariat Committee), Sandip Jacques (IAS, Secretary-Revenue and Commissioner I-Coordination Exposition, Uttam P Parsekar (principal chief engineer, Public Works Department and Commissioner II (Infrastructure & Services) Exposition), V. Candavelou (IAS, Principal Secretary- Finance); Fr Henry Falcao, Convenor, Exposition Committee; Fr Lawrence Fernandes, SFX Pilar and senior government officials of various departments concerned.