Hyderabad, 03 October 2026: Youngistaan Foundation, a grassroots non-profit based in Hyderabad, has been felicitated by the Government of Telangana for its work supporting senior citizens. The honour was conferred at the state-level observance of the International Day of Older Persons 2026, held on 1 October at Ravindra Bharathi, Hyderabad.
The felicitation was presented by Sri Adluri Laxman Kumar, Minister for Scheduled Castes Development, Tribal Welfare, Welfare of Persons with Disabilities, Senior Citizens and Transgender Persons. It recognises organisations and individuals whose sustained work has improved the care, protection, dignity, and social inclusion of older persons.
Over the years, the Foundation’s work has reached more than 850 senior citizens across Hyderabad, extending to 15 senior citizens and elder-care homes and 30+ gated communities, Senior Citizen Welfare Associations, and Residential Welfare Associations. Its support includes groceries, food, and medicines; assistance to old-age homes; and counselling and rehabilitation for vulnerable and homeless elderly persons. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Foundation also supported elders living alone or without immediate family.
The Foundation is now building on this work through Senior Saathi, an intergenerational companionship initiative developed with the Hyderabad District Administration and the Department for Welfare of Disabled and Senior Citizens. Trained young volunteers are paired with senior citizens for regular conversations, reading, games, walks, community activities, and shared meals. The programme also helps elders stay safe online, including spotting digital fraud and scams, and connects them with the Senior Citizen Helpline (14567), government entitlements, and relevant legal provisions.
The International Day of Older Persons is observed every year on 1 October, following a United Nations General Assembly resolution, to recognise the contributions of older persons and to raise awareness of the opportunities and challenges of population ageing.
