Vayo Samman National Abhiyan launched: citizens aged 18 and above can become Vayo Saathi volunteers

The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has started a new campaign to strengthen ties between senior citizens and younger generations. Union Minister Dr. Virendra Kumar launched the ‘Vayo Samman National Abhiyan’ in Delhi on 4 November 2026. The campaign is being run under the Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana (AVYAY).

Why the campaign was started

According to the ministry, urbanisation, migration and changing family structures have reduced regular interaction between generations. This has led to challenges such as loneliness among the elderly, limited awareness of welfare schemes and vulnerability to cyber fraud. The event noted that the population aged 60 and above was about 10 crore in 2011 and is projected to reach 23 crore by 2036.

What the campaign includes

The campaign is based on a ‘5C’ model, which stands for connect, converse, co-create, contribute and continue. It has twelve thematic areas, such as ‘30 Minutes Together’, ‘Teach Me - I Will Teach You’, ‘My Story, My India’, ‘Digital Dada-Dadi/Digital Saathi’, ‘Generation Health and Wellness’ and ‘Silver Skills - Seniors as Mentors’. These aim to encourage spending time with elders, preserving their stories, improving digital literacy, spreading awareness about cyber fraud and promoting health. The minister said the campaign will reach every village and neighbourhood through panchayats, local bodies and educational institutions.

What is the Vayo Saathi volunteer initiative

The ‘Vayo Saathi’ volunteer initiative was also launched at the event. It is a digitally enabled volunteer initiative open to all citizens aged 18 and above, including students, young professionals and institutions. Volunteers will act as friends, facilitators and coordinators for senior citizens. Interested citizens can register through the SCW Samavesh portal or the Jeevan app and receive a Vayo Saathi certificate.

What else happened

The minister released a handbook on the campaign, which serves as a guide for states, districts and community institutions. Two memoranda of understanding were signed with Shri Ram Chandra Mission and the Adhyatma Vigyan Satsang Kendra, Jodhpur. These aim to support the well-being of senior citizens through meditation, yoga and wellness programmes. The minister also administered the Vayo Samman pledge and urged people not to leave any elderly person alone this Diwali.

What you can do

The ministry has invited citizens, educational institutions, universities, youth organisations, non-governmental organisations, resident welfare associations and CSR partners to join the initiative. You too can register as a Vayo Saathi volunteer and help elderly people around you.