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In Auraiya district of Uttar Pradesh, an old age home is quietly challenging long-held assumptions about ageing, dependency and life after retirement.
Traditionally seen as places that provide shelter and care to elderly people who have nowhere else to go, old age homes are now being reimagined under the Yogi Adityanath government’s welfare initiatives. The old age home in Auraiya has emerged as a striking example of this transformation, where elderly residents are not only receiving care but are also becoming economically active and self-reliant.
At the centre of this change is the Aradhya Elderly Women Self-Help Group. The women associated with the group are producing puja materials, rose water and mungodi, creating opportunities for income
generation and self-dependence.
For many of these women, the initiative has provided more than just financial support. At a stage of life when many elderly people often feel disconnected from society, the programme has given them a renewed sense of confidence, dignity and purpose.
The transformation is not limited to women. Members of the Elderly Men Self-Help Group at the old age home are engaged in cow care and organic farming. Through these activities, they are contributing to natural farming practices while also spreading awareness about environmental conservation and healthy living.
The initiative reflects a broader approach adopted by the Social Welfare Department under the guidance of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. The focus is not only on providing protection and shelter to senior citizens but also on creating opportunities for them to remain active contributors to society.
Across Uttar Pradesh’s 75 districts, 6,316 elderly citizens are currently receiving support through old age homes and welfare programmes.
Residents are provided with safe accommodation, nutritious food, clothing, regular health check-ups and medical care. At the same time, efforts are being made to ensure mental and emotional well-being through yoga sessions, bhajan-kirtan programmes, entertainment activities and group interactions.
Officials say these measures are helping transform the lives of elderly citizens who once faced neglect and helplessness. Many are now becoming examples of resilience and self-confidence within their communities.
The Auraiya model highlights how elderly citizens can continue to contribute meaningfully when provided with the right opportunities and encouragement. Rather than being viewed solely as beneficiaries of welfare schemes, they are participating in productive activities that promote self-respect and social engagement.
The state government says its objective goes beyond providing basic facilities. The emphasis is on restoring hope, dignity and self-reliance in the lives of senior citizens.
Regular inspections, reviews and the provision of necessary resources are also being carried out to improve the management and functioning of old age homes across the state.
For the elderly residents of Auraiya, the old age home has become more than a place to live. It has become a place where experience, skills and determination are helping create a new chapter built on dignity and independence.
