Thiruvananthapuram, Keralam will launch the ‘Sayantanam’ programme through the NSS to identify and support elderly people facing social isolation, neglect and mental health issues, Minister Roji M John said on Thursday.
John announced that a ‘State Parliament’ interaction programme would be organised with the chief minister, involving selected NSS volunteers from each cell, the statement added. The state Higher Education minister made the announcement at the 2026-27 State NSS Advisory Committee meeting, according to a statement.
The programme will involve college students in activities aimed at the welfare of the elderly and help connect senior citizens with the community, he said. As part of the initiative, college students will be encouraged to participate in a ‘Time Bank’ programme, modelled on similar initiatives in colleges in countries such as Switzerland, he said. Students involved in elderly welfare activities will be given weightage in academic courses and employment opportunities, the minister said.
The initiative will initially involve training by experts and will later be extended to other student groups, including the NCC and Student Police Cadets, he said. John said implementing the programme at a time when a new department for the welfare of senior citizens is being established in the state would provide a major boost to elderly welfare activities in Keralam.
