ITANAGAR, October 1: Governor of Arunachal Pradesh Lt Gen KT Parnaik flagged off a solo cycling expedition by Abhinav Singh from Lok Bhavan, Itanagar, on October 1, 2026, marking the International Day of Older Persons.
Singh has embarked on a challenging 3,000-kilometre cycling journey from Arunachal Pradesh to Gujarat in memory of his late grandparents. The expedition seeks to combine a personal tribute with a wider social message on respecting and caring for senior citizens.
Extending his best wishes for the journey, the Governor commended Singh for undertaking the expedition and using it to highlight the importance of senior citizens in society. He said initiatives of this nature can promote physical endurance and determination while reminding society of its responsibility towards older persons, who contribute to preserving family values, traditions and life experiences.
The Governor advised Singh to use the expedition as a platform to spread awareness about the importance of geriatric care and greater sensitivity towards the elderly. He stressed that the well-being, dignity and security of senior citizens should remain an important priority as India progresses towards becoming a developed nation.
Highlighting changes in society, the Governor observed that rapid urbanisation and evolving family structures can leave some senior citizens vulnerable to loneliness, neglect and health-related challenges. He emphasised the importance of stronger family bonds, community support systems and greater awareness of geriatric healthcare services to help older persons lead healthy and fulfilling lives.
The Governor expressed hope that the expedition would encourage young people across the country to care for their parents and grandparents, strengthen inter-generational relationships and recognise the contribution of senior citizens to nation-building.
Vice Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) K. Satya Lakshmi, Registrar Dr. Prasant Roy, faculty members and students of Indira Gandhi Technological and Medical Sciences University were present during the flag-off ceremon
