New Delhi, December 11: HelpAge India, a non- Governmental Organization (NGO), became the first Indian NGO to receive ‘2020 UN Population Award.
The award was given in ‘institutional category.’
The United Nations every year honours an individual and/or institution for outstanding contributions to population and reproductive health questions. This honour comes in recognition of the organization’s outstanding contribution to population issues and awareness, in its efforts in the realization of older person’s rights in India since 1978.
The United Nations Population Fund, India (UNFPA) held a felicitation ceremony on Thursday and presented the award, which included a Diploma Certificate, a gold medal and a monetary prize.
HelpAge India, which has been working for ‘the cause and care of disadvantaged older persons to improve their quality of life’ for over four decades. It receives this recognition for its impactful work with and for disadvantaged elderly. It works in 125 districts spread across 25 states in India. It voices elder concerns so they can lead secure and dignified lives.
Speaking at the award ceremony Argentina Matavel Piccin, Representative of UNFPA India said, “Your (HelpAge India’s) tireless and consistent efforts have finally paid off and caught the world’s attention, whether it is in operating one of the largest mobile healthcare networks, providing employment to the elderly or promoting inter-generational exchanges, linking young people with the aged. UNFPA is very proud of our partnership with HelpAge India”.
In his acceptance speech, Kiran Karnik, chairperson, HelpAge India said, “UNFPA is among our most important and valued partners who have helped to take work forward in the whole space of elders.”
