The Centre has launched a national campaign to bring young people and senior citizens closer. Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Dr Virendra Kumar launched the Vayo Samman Rashtriya Abhiyan in New Delhi on 4 November 2026. Alongside it, a volunteer network called Vayo SAATHI is open to any citizen aged 18 or above.
What was launched
The campaign runs under the Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana (AVYAY), the ministry’s umbrella scheme for senior citizens. Its aim is to treat older people as active contributors to society, not only as people who receive welfare, and to reduce their social isolation.
At the launch, the minister said: “This Deepavali, Let No Elder Be Left Alone.” He also said the youth will connect elders to the digital world, while elders pass on the values of life. He said the campaign would reach every village and mohalla through panchayats, local bodies and educational institutions.
Key facts
- The campaign follows a “5C” model: Connect, Converse, Co-create, Contribute and Continue.
- It has 12 thematic areas. They include “30 Minutes Together”, “Teach Me – I’ll Teach You”, “My Story, My India”, “Digital Dada-Dadi / Digital Saathi”, “Generation Health & Wellness” and “Silver Skills – Seniors as Mentors”.
- Vayo SAATHI stands for Support, Awareness, Assistance, Training, Health and Inclusion. Volunteers register on the SCW SAMAVESH portal or the JEEVAN app and receive a Vayo SAATHI certificate.
- The ministry signed two MoUs, with Shri Ram Chandra Mission and Adhyatma Vigyan Satsang Kendra, Jodhpur, for meditation, yoga and wellness programmes, pledge drives and walkathons.
- India’s population aged 60 and above is projected to rise from about 10 crore in 2011 to 23 crore by 2036, or from 8.4% to 14.9% of the population.
What volunteers will do
According to the ministry, volunteers will act as friends and support persons. They will help older people use welfare services, find information, join community activities and use digital services. They will also help seniors spot possible cyber fraud.
What this means for older Indians and families
If you are a senior citizen who finds online forms, payments or apps difficult, a Vayo SAATHI volunteer may be able to help. Ask your panchayat, local body or a nearby college whether volunteers are active in your area.
Families can encourage grandchildren, students and young relatives to register as volunteers. Schools, universities, NGOs, resident welfare associations and CSR teams have also been invited to take part.
The campaign comes a day after we reported that the Centre released ₹77.98 crore for 755 projects under AVYAY. Read that story here.
Have a story to share? Tell us about an older person, a family or a project making ageing better. Share your story or email info@healthyageing.world. Organisations working with older adults can partner with us.
Sources: Press Information Bureau, 4 November 2026; National Herald, 3 November 2026.
