Centre launches Vayo Samman campaign to link young volunteers with senior citizens

The Social Justice Ministry has launched a national campaign to bring young people and senior citizens together, with a volunteer scheme open to anyone aged 18 or above.

Minister Virendra Kumar launched the "Vayo Samman Rashtriya Abhiyan" in New Delhi on 4 November, under the Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana (AVYAY). He also released a handbook for the campaign and launched Vayo SAATHI, a digital volunteer initiative. Two memoranda of understanding were signed with the Shri Ram Chandra Mission and Adhyatma Vigyan Satsang Kendra, Jodhpur, for meditation, yoga, wellness programmes and community activities.

Why now

Virendra Kumar said India's population aged 60 and above is projected to rise from about 10 crore in 2011 to 23 crore by 2036. He said urbanisation, migration and changing family structures have cut contact between generations, leading to loneliness, low awareness of welfare schemes and vulnerability to cyber fraud among older people.

"The youth will connect our elders to the digital world and our elders will give the youth the values of life," he said. Ahead of Deepawali, he urged people to light one diya in honour of an elderly person.

How it works

An official said the campaign follows a "5C" model: Connect, Converse, Co-create, Contribute and Continue. It has twelve themes, including "30 Minutes Together", "Teach Me - I'll Teach You", "Digital Dada-Dadi / Digital Saathi" and "Silver Skills - Seniors as Mentors". Vayo SAATHI stands for Support, Awareness, Assistance, Training, Health and Inclusion.

Secretary Sudhansh Pant asked states and districts to carry out activities as set out in the handbook.

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Source: official release by the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, issued through the Press Information Bureau, Government of India (04 NOV 2026 7:23PM by PIB Delhi). Read the full official text: Union Minister Dr Virendra Kumar Launches ‘Vayo Samman Rashtriya Abhiyan’ to Strengthen Intergenerational Bonding.