Biography
Prakash Narayan Borgaonkar B.Sc. B. Ed. has been serving HelpAge India for the last 32 years, joined as Executive, School Fund Raiser and today serve the organization as Head – Maharashtra & Goa. During his tenure, he sensitized more than 5 lack students on the aged care and age-related problems by way of giving Value Education. It resulted in behavioral change literally when children called for their Grand Parents from their native places and have also gone forward by adopting grandparents if they didn’t have any. Also have addressed a plethora of Sr. Citizens by way of counseling and interaction which bought a great change in their thinking and perspective towards family and society, have conducted many sensitization programs for various Parents Teacher’s Meet and Principal’s Meet as well as for corporate employees in whole of Western Region. Time to time gave counseling to younger & older generations to resolve their personal & family problems. In deserving cases, supported Elderly persons in all ways. He helped Elderly Artist to get flat under Government Scheme. He took initiative and extended Mobile Healthcare Unit services to the transgender community at Mumbai.
On various occasions have been interviewed by Print and Electronic media (India, UK, Canada, Sri Lanka, BBC Radio) as expertise on the subjects like Joint Family System, Intergenerational Bonding, HelpAge India’s Contribution in welfare of the Elderly, Parent Maintenance & Protection Act, National & State Policy on Older Persons and Importance and Contribution of Elderly in a family and ultimately in society. Heifer International quoted him in their special article on Ageing in India. Times Of India, Mumbai quoted him on the 1st page related to Elderly issues. Reader Digest magazine quoted him on the Elder Abuse report. Nava Kal, Marathi newspaper published a special article on his contribution towards Elderly issues.
He is recognized for his support to the cause of the Elderly & read. special acknowledgment from His Highness Prince Charles, Shri. Atal Bihari Bajapayee, Shri. Nasiruddin Shah, Shri. Mahesh Bhatt, Smt. Sulabha Deshpande and many more. Govt. of Maharashtra appointed him as one of the members on State Executive Council of Sr. Citizens. He represented India for “International Training on Policy Formulation on Ageing” held at Malta (Near Italy) in 2011. Also represented HelpAge India in the “Asian Fund Raising Workshop” held at Colombo in 2005. He is the recipient of the Thought Leaders Award and Bharat Excellence Award for his contribution in the field of age care and advocacy. Under his leadership Livelihood program in the Vidarbha region, is appreciated by Maharashtra Rural Livelihood Forum for Innovation.
Addressed many Seminars, International Conferences and Meetings on the issues of the Elderly. He is one of the committee members, who drafted State Policy of Older Persons which is declared by Govt. of Maharashtra on 1st October 2013. Secretary, Social Justice & Special Assistance, Govt. of Maharashtra appreciated his support for collaborating with Maharashtra Govt. towards the betterment of Sr. Citizens. He is one of the resource persons who regularly addressed Police Officers on Elderly issues and MWPSC Act, 2007 at Maharashtra Police Academy. He works very closely with Gujarat & Goa Governments towards the formulation of “State Policy of Older Persons”. He also works with Senior Citizen’s Associations at State and National level.
He also supports to Group of Blind Artists.
Borgaonkar, N.P.
Paper
Restoring intergenerational bonding – need of the hour
Presenter
Prakash Borgaonkar, HelpAge India, India
Abstract
Ageing in India is exponentially increasing due to the impressive gains that society has made in terms of increased life expectancy. The increased percentage of the elderly in India is a trend that is likely to continue in the coming decades. The share of population over the age of 60 is projected to increase from 8 percent in 2015 to 19 percent in 2050. From 112 million today the grey population is expected to rise to 177 million by 2025.
At present of those 60 years and over, 90% have no social security, 40% are below poverty line, 40% are living alone and 70% are illiterate. As a result of the current ageing scenario, there is growing need for care of the older persons in terms of social, economic, health and shelter.
The traditional Indian society with an age-old joint family system has been instrumental in safeguarding the social and economic security of the elderly people. The traditional norms and values of Indian society emphasis showing respect and providing care for the elderly. However, with the emerging prevalence of nuclear family model in recent years, older people are more likely to be exposed to emotional, physical and financial insecurity in the years to come.
Family care of the elderly seems likely to decrease in the future with the economic development of the nation and modernization. Older people taught the young how to be and how to become. If we can improve the standing of older adults in society, and nurture what they can bring through intergenerational connections, then we can achieve a better community with a better quality of life for all ages.
Our research shows that children who don’t have enough opportunities to interact with grandparents and other seniors in the family are more likely to have negative feelings about aging. For them, the stereotypes about old age are more likely to make them fearful of growing old and weak. The socialisation of children and the movement from informal learning to formal, internet and peer learning will lead to future citizens as sensitive human beings, conscious of challenges of old age.