Posted On:
10 NOV 2026 8:27PM by PIB Delhi
The Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, has invited citizens aged 18 years and above to register as volunteers under the Vayo SAATHI initiative, an important component of the recently launched ‘Vayo Samman Rashtriya Abhiyan’, a National Intergenerational Bonding Campaign under the Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana (AVYAY).
The initiative provides an opportunity for citizens, including students, young professionals and community volunteers, to contribute towards the welfare, dignity and social inclusion of senior citizens.
The Vayo SAATHI initiative stands for Support, Awareness, Assistance, Training, Health and Inclusion. Under this initiative, registered volunteers will act as friends, facilitators and connectors for senior citizens, supporting their social inclusion and overall well-being. Volunteers will also receive a Vayo SAATHI Certificate in recognition of their participation.
The Ministry encourages all eligible citizens to register as Vayo SAATHI Volunteers and contribute their time, skills and efforts towards building an inclusive society where every senior citizen is valued, respected and supported.
A Senior Official in the Ministry informed that the citizens interested in joining the initiative can register through Senior Citizens Welfare (SCW) Single Access Mechanism For All Verticals of Empowerment And Social Harmony (SAMAVESH) Portal on https://seniorcitizen.dosje.gov.in/vayo-sathi and become part of a nationwide effort to strengthen intergenerational relationships and promote active participation of senior citizens in society.
He said the interested citizens can also access the Vayo SAATHI volunteer registration facility, Or JEEVAN (Joint Elderly Empowerment & Virtual Assistance Network) mobile application to register and participate in the initiative.
The Official said the initiative encourages volunteers to assist senior citizens in accessing digital services, welfare-related information and community support. It also seeks to promote digital literacy, awareness about cyber fraud, health and wellness, and greater social participation among older persons.
The Official said Dr. Virendra Kumar, Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment recently launched the national level Vayo Samman Rashtriya Abhiyan in the National Capital. He said the Campaign aims to strengthen intergenerational solidarity by bringing together the experience, wisdom and knowledge of senior citizens with the energy and capabilities of younger generations.
The Abhiyan is based on the ‘5C’ model – Connect, Converse, Co-create, Contribute and Continue – which seeks to establish sustained engagement between generations, he said.
It encourages younger and older generations to connect through community platforms and educational institutions, share experiences and stories, undertake joint activities, exchange knowledge and skills, and continue such engagement as a regular community-led practice, the Official added.
He further said the Campaign encompasses twelve thematic areas, including ‘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’.
These themes aim to promote companionship, preserve oral histories, enhance digital literacy, create awareness about cyber fraud, encourage health and wellness, and recognise senior citizens as mentors and valuable contributors to society, he said.
The official said that the Vayo SAATHI initiative provides a meaningful platform for citizens to contribute towards the well-being of senior citizens through simple but impactful activities, such as spending time with them, helping them access digital services, sharing knowledge and skills, and facilitating their participation in community activities.
The campaign seeks to reach every village and neighbourhood through Panchayats, local bodies, educational institutions and community institutions. It encourages families, youth organisations, universities, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) partners to actively participate in the initiative and mobilise volunteers.
The Ministry has also released a Handbook on Vayo Samman Rashtriya Abhiyan, providing a comprehensive guiding framework covering the objectives, implementation strategy, thematic activities and roles of States, Districts and community institutions in carrying forward the campaign.
Through the Vayo Samman Rashtriya Abhiyan, the Ministry seeks to foster a stronger culture of respect, care, companionship and solidarity across generations. The initiative recognises senior citizens not merely as beneficiaries of welfare programmes but as active contributors, mentors and valuable repositories of knowledge, culture and social experience.
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PR-220-TAR/KV/GA/RK