CU Punjab Hosts Two-Day National Conference to Address Challenges of India’s Ageing Population

Bathinda, April 8, 2025: The Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, under the esteemed patronage of Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor Prof. Raghavendra Prasad Tiwari, organized a Two-Day National Conference on Elderly Issues on 3rd and 4th April 2025. The event was sponsored by the National Institute of Social Defence (NISD), Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE), Government of India. This conference provided a national platform for discussions and research on the diverse challenges faced by the elderly population in India, with a special emphasis on their physical, emotional, economic, and social well-being.

The inaugural ceremony was graced by Prof. Buta Singh Sidhu, Former Vice-Chancellor of MRSPTU, who attended as the Chief Guest and delivered the inaugural address. The conference featured insightful sessions by a panel of distinguished experts, including Ms. Tanya Sengupta from NISD (online), Prof. Ravi Inder Singh from University Business School, Panjab University Regional Centre, Ludhiana; Prof. Anjana Munshi, Director R&D, CU Punjab; Dr. Abhay Jain from Shri Ram College of Commerce, University of Delhi; Prof. Vikram Sandhu from Guru Nanak Dev University; Prof. Raj Kumar Sharma, Finance Officer, CU Punjab; Prof. Bawa Singh from the Department of South and Central Asian Studies, CU Punjab; and Prof. Monisha Dhiman, Director IQAC, CU Punjab. The Valedictory Session was addressed by Prof. Navkiranjit Kaur Dhaliwal from the Department of Commerce, Punjabi University, Patiala. Technical sessions were conducted by an expert team comprising Prof. Anand Thakur, Programme Convenor and Head & Dean, School of Management and ADSW, CU Punjab; Prof. Vikram Sandhu; Dr. Eronimus A., Conference Co-Convener; Dr. Hareesh Kumar T., Organizing Secretary; Dr. Pritpal Singh Bhullar, HoD UBS, MRSPTU; and Mr. Simranjeet Singh, HoD Commerce, BFGI.

Prof. Sanjeev Thakur, Dean Students’ Welfare, CU PUNJAB, delivered the welcome address and highlighted the critical importance of the conference in bringing academic and policy-level attention to the growing concerns of India’s elderly population. Introducing the conference theme, Prof. Anand Thakur, Head & Dean, School of Management & ADSW, CU Punjab, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the 190 participants representing leading institutions such as Baba Farid University of Health Sciences, MRSPTU, Guru Ram Das College of Pharmacy (Malout), SSD College, Baba Farid Group of Institutions, Panjab University, SRCC, GNDU, Satyawati College, GLA University, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University (Gujarat), Punjabi University, Bamanpukur Humayun Kabir Mahavidyalaya (West Bengal), Adesh University, and CU Punjab. Their active participation underscored the national significance and success of the event.

The conference received an enthusiastic response, with 190 participants selected out of 326 applications and 32 research papers accepted from 91 submissions. The central theme revolved around ageing and elderly care, exploring a wide range of topics including demographic transitions, intergenerational bonding, ageing in place, social isolation, health and well-being, technological interventions, economic empowerment, and elder abuse. Additionally, it addressed gender, cultural, and psychological dimensions, caregiving challenges, rural ageing, lifelong learning, and policy frameworks to support elderly populations.

The Two-Day National Conference on Elderly Issues concluded with a resounding call to action, emphasizing the urgent need for inclusive policies, accessible healthcare, intergenerational solidarity, economic empowerment, and technological innovation to ensure the holistic well-being, dignity, and social security of India’s ageing population.