Vayo Samman Rashtriya Abhiyan launched to link senior citizens with the young

3 November 2026

The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has launched the Vayo Samman Rashtriya Abhiyan, a national intergenerational bonding campaign, under the Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana.
Union Minister Dr Virendra Kumar is to launch it in the national capital.
The ministry cites projections that the population aged 60 and above will grow from about 10 crore in 2011 to 23 crore by 2036, and from 8.4 per cent of the population to 14.9 per cent.
It argues that migration, urban living and smaller families have cut down ordinary contact between the old and the young, and treats older people as mentors and contributors rather than only as recipients of welfare.
The campaign rests on a five-part model: Connect, Converse, Co-create, Contribute and Continue.
Twelve themes cover companionship, oral history, cultural exchange, digital literacy, health awareness and seniors as mentors, and the young are asked to help older people use digital services and spot cyber fraud.
A volunteer wing named Vayo SAATHI, open to anyone aged 18 and above, registers through the Senior Citizens Welfare SAMAVESH portal or the JEEVAN app and receives a certificate.