Jamia Hamdard’s ICSSR Conference on “India Towards Viksit Bharat@2047” was more than just a gathering of academicians, policymakers, and community leaders — it was a clarion call for urgent reform in social security for India’s aging population.
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With the event closely tied to United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 1: No Poverty, SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, and SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities), the conference offered a practical blueprint for integrating social protection, financial inclusion, and mental well-being into the fabric of national policy.
The conference at Jamia Hamdard opened a moving recitation of verses from the Holy Quran set the tone. The speaker’s reminder that “taking care of the elderly is a moral responsibility of the children” resonated deeply, emphasising that strong communities are built when neighbors support one another, regardless of proximity. Similar text was quoted from Sanskrit texts during the conference.
The spotlight quickly shifted to Jamia Hamdard Vice Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) M. Afshar Alam. As the first speaker, he delivered a rousing address, lauding the vision behind the conference and offering high praise to convener Prof. (Dr.) Reshma Nasreen. “Your conceptualisation of this timely topic exemplifies the spirit of Viksit Bharat@2047,” he declared, underscoring her role as a true visionary.
Alam stressed the need to harness Artificial Intelligence and Information Technology to revolutionise healthcare for the elderly — a timely reminder given recent United Nations data that shows robust social protection measures can reduce elderly poverty by up to 25 per cent. He further noted that, by 2050, one in every five Indians is expected to be over 60, a statistic that adds urgency to these discussions.
Prof. (Dr.) S. N. Haque, Dean of SMBS, reinforced this call for change in his introductory remarks, setting the stage for convener Prof. (Dr.) Reshma Nasreen’s in-depth overview. She detailed the need for an integrated approach — combining social security, financial empowerment, and mental well-being — to ensure that every elderly citizen in the Delhi-NCT region lives with dignity. Reshma Nasreen’s presentation laid bare the challenges and opportunities ahead, stressing that successful reform hinges on collaborative efforts between government, NGOs, and academic institutions.
A highlight of the inaugural session was the unveiling of the book “Inclusiveness in the Silver Economy: Initiatives and Impact towards Viksit Bharat@2047.” Presented by Chief Guest Dr. Prachi Kaul (Director of SICI), Guest of Honour Prof. (Dr.) A. Venkat Raman (Dean, FMS, Delhi University), and Guest of Honour Dr. Ritu Rana (Mission Head of Healthcare, HelpAge India), the publication compiles innovative strategies and success stories, serving as both a record of progress and a roadmap for future initiatives.
Panel discussions and technical sessions further enriched the day. Experts debated digital financial inclusion and AI-driven healthcare models — one study even revealed that AI-powered diagnostic tools are already reducing hospital visits for the elderly. Additional research presented at the conference pointed out that nearly 45 per cent of elderly citizens in urban slums struggle to access basic healthcare, while a survey by HelpAge India found that about 60 per cent of urban elderly lack adequate health insurance
Key takeaways:
• The visionary leadership of Prof. (Dr.) M. Afshar Alam is critical. His commitment underlines the need for urgent integration of AI and IT in healthcare to improve outcomes for the aging population.
• Robust social protection measures can reduce elderly poverty by up to 25 per cent, making a compelling case for policy reforms.
• By 2050, with one in every five Indians over 60, it is imperative that India strengthens its social security framework to ensure dignity, financial independence, and mental well-being.
• Innovative research on digital financial inclusion and AI-driven healthcare is not only transforming how we view elder care but also paving the way for actionable policy interventions.
• The unveiling of the book “Inclusiveness in the Silver Economy: Initiatives and Impact towards Viksit Bharat@2047” marks a significant milestone, encapsulating success stories and innovative strategies that could drive national reform.
The conference did not merely present challenges — it offered a series of actionable proposals aimed at overhauling social welfare programs and establishing community-based support systems. Jamia Hamdard has charted a clear course toward a developed, equitable Bharat by 2047. This event reminds us that transformative change is possible when visionary leaders unite to address the pressing needs of society’s most vulnerable.
