‘It’s not okay to tolerate elder abuse’ – Bhartiya Samaj

Bhartiya Samaj Charitable Trust hosted the World Elder Abuse Awareness Day at Fickling Centre in Three Kings on Saturday, June 17. Community leaders, members of the community, representatives from the Local Board, Police and different political parties attend the event.

Elder abuse is a problem that exists all over the world, yet is typically under-reported globally. Elder Abuse is a rising issue, and it is vital to equip and educate people to identify and deal with it. 

“Bhartiya Samaj Charitable Trust has been striving to take steps towards making the life of the seniors a more pleasurable one and giving them credit for the valuable contribution they make towards the development of society,” Jeet Suchdev, chairperson of Bhartiya Samaj said.

The programme witnessed an overwhelming gathering of more than 200 senior citizens members with enthusiastic participation spirits.

Judge Ajit Swaran addressing the senior citizens at Bhartiya Samaj's Elder Abuse Awareness Day celebrations

Some of the dignitaries present included MP for Mt Roskill Michael Wood, Puketapapa Local Board members David Holm, Ann Marie Coury, Ella Kumar and Shail Kaushal, Judge Dr Ajit Swaran Singh, NZ First List MP Mahesh Bindra, District Commander of Auckland City Karyn Malthus, Police personnel from NZ Police including Constable Satvir Sen, Constable Mandeep Kaur and Constable Yaolin Deng, Bhartiya Samaj Patrons Dr Bruce Hucker and Dr Ashraf Choudhary, Bhartiya Samaj Executive Committee members Santanu Roy and  Anil Vazirani.

The day commenced with prayers followed by wishing the senior members who had their birthdays this month. During the programme, issues of elder abuse were discussed at length while highlighting the different types and situations of abuse that the Elders have been experiencing. Also included was an audio-video presentation to deliver a better understanding of elder abuse and create awareness about the ways to deal with it and not just keep tolerating it.

“Our senior members presented a short skit highlighting a typical case of Psychological elder abuse in the family,” Mr Suchdev said.

The event was a result of relentless efforts from the team of Bhartiya Samaj Charitable Trust and the leaders Jeet and Roopa Suchdev, who have been working toward the cause for over two decades.