New Delhi: Jamia Hamdard hosted the ICSSR Conference on “India Towards Viksit Bharat@2047,” bringing together academicians, policymakers, and community leaders to confront the pressing challenges of social security for India’s aging population. With a special focus on “Preserving Dignity: Strengthening Social Security for Aging Citizens” and aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goals.
The Vice Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) M. Afshar Alam then took the stage as the first speaker. He lauded convener Prof. (Dr.) Reshma Nasreen, declaring, “Your conceptualisation of this timely topic exemplifies the spirit of Viksit Bharat@2047.” Prof. Alam emphasised the need to integrate Artificial Intelligence and Information Technology into elderly healthcare, noting that robust social protection measures can reduce elderly poverty by up to 25% and warning that by 2050, one in every five Indians will be over 60.
Prof. (Dr.) S. N. Haque, Dean of SMBS, reinforced the conference’s focus on practical solutions, while Prof. (Dr.) Reshma Nasreen provided an in-depth overview of the agenda. She stressed integrating social security, financial empowerment, and mental well-being to ensure every elderly citizen in Delhi-NCT lives with dignity, underscoring the role of NGOs and sustainable research in overcoming long-term challenges.
A key highlight was the unveiling of the book “Inclusiveness in the Silver Economy: Initiatives and Impact towards Viksit Bharat@2047.” This publication, presented by Prof. (Dr.) M. Afshar Alam alongside Chief Guest Dr. Prachi Kaul (Director, SICI), Guest of Honour Prof. (Dr.) A. Venkat Raman (Dean, FMS, Delhi University), and Guest of Honour Dr. Ritu Rana (Mission Head of Healthcare, HelpAge India), compiles innovative strategies and success stories for reform.
Subsequent panel discussions and technical sessions featured experts including Prof. Monika Suri (JIIT Noida), Prof. Saket Bihari (IIPA), Prof. Raminder Kalra (College of Nursing, Holy Family), and social activist Dr. Indu Prakash. Their discussions ranged from boosting financial resilience among elderly women to employing AI-driven healthcare models that cut down hospital visits. Studies presented revealed that AI-powered diagnostic tools are already improving healthcare access, nearly 45% of elderly in urban slums struggle with basic healthcare, and about 60% lack adequate health insurance, as per a HelpAge India survey.
Concluding with actionable proposals to enhance social welfare programs and establish community-based support systems, the conference affirmed that every elderly citizen deserves financial independence, quality healthcare, and dignity. Under the dynamic leadership of Prof. (Dr.) M. Afshar Alam and the visionary guidance of Prof. (Dr.) Reshma Nasreen, Jamia Hamdard has set a definitive path toward a developed, equitable Bharat by 2047.
