# Vayo Samman National Campaign launched: citizens aged 18 and above can become Vayo Saathi volunteers URL: https://kasba.co.in/en/story/vayo-samman-national-campaign-launched-citizens-aged-18-and Language: en · Section: Schemes · Published: 2026-11-03 Source: PIB, "केंद्रीय मंत्री डॉ. वीरेंद्र कुमार कल राष्ट्रीय राजधानी में राष्ट्रीय अंतर-पीढ़ीगत जुड़ाव अभियान ‘वयो सम्मान राष्ट्रीय अभियान’ का शुभारंभ करेंगे", 2026-11-03, https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2332233 The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment launched the 'Vayo Samman National Campaign' in Delhi on 4 November to build stronger links between senior citizens and younger generations. Any citizen aged 18 or above can register as a Vayo Saathi volunteer under the campaign. ## What this means for you If you are 18 or older, you can join as a volunteer and help senior citizens in your area. Registration is done through the Senior Citizens Welfare (SCW) inclusion portal or the Jeevan app, and registered volunteers get a Vayo Saathi certificate. Senior citizens themselves can take part in the campaign's activities even if they do not wish to volunteer. ## Key facts - Campaign launched in the national capital on 4 November - Vayo Saathi volunteers must be at least 18 years old - Registration through the SCW inclusion portal or Jeevan app - Campaign to be implemented across 12 thematic areas - Population aged 60+ estimated to rise from about 10 crore in 2011 to 23 crore by 2036 The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment is launching the 'Vayo Samman National Campaign' in the national capital. It is a national intergenerational engagement campaign, meaning it works on bringing senior citizens and younger generations closer together. Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Dr Virendra Kumar will formally launch it. The campaign is being run under the Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana (AVYAY), the ministry's scheme for the welfare, care, protection and empowerment of senior citizens. ## Why the campaign was started According to the ministry, India's elderly population is growing steadily. The number of people aged 60 and above was about 10 crore in 2011 and is estimated to reach 23 crore by 2036, with their share in the total population rising from 8.4 per cent to 14.9 per cent. At the same time, urbanisation, migration and changing family structures have reduced chances for generations to meet regularly in many households. The campaign aims to address these changes and keep senior citizens active, respected and connected to society. ## How the campaign will work The campaign is based on a '5C' model — Connect, Converse, Co-create, Contribute and Continue. This means creating opportunities for seniors and young people to meet, encouraging conversation and sharing of experiences, working together on activities, and keeping the process going regularly rather than as one-off events. It will be implemented across 12 thematic areas, including activities such as '30 Minutes Together', 'Teach Me – I Will Teach You', 'My Story, My India', 'Digital Grandparents / Digital Saathi', 'Health and Wellbeing Across Generations' and 'Silver Skills – Seniors as Mentors'. ## What is a Vayo Saathi volunteer Along with the launch, a volunteer initiative called 'Vayo Saathi' will begin. Citizens aged 18 years and above can join it, including students, young professionals, community volunteers, civil society organisations and institutional partners. Volunteers will act as friends, facilitators and contact points for senior citizens, helping them reach information, welfare services, community activities and digital support. Young people will also be encouraged to help seniors use digital services and spot possible cyber fraud. ## How to register Interested citizens can register as Vayo Saathi volunteers through the Senior Citizens Welfare (SCW) inclusion portal or the Jeevan app. Registered volunteers will receive a Vayo Saathi certificate in recognition of their participation. The ministry has urged citizens, educational institutions, universities, youth organisations, NGOs, resident welfare associations, community institutions and CSR partners to take an active part in the campaign. ## What else is planned At the launch, a booklet on the campaign will be released, setting out its objectives, implementation framework, thematic activities and the roles of states, districts and community institutions. The department will also sign two memoranda of understanding (MoUs) with Shri Ramchandra Mission and the Adhyatma Vigyan Satsang Kendra, Jodhpur, aimed at promoting the overall wellbeing of senior citizens through programmes related to meditation, yoga and health and wellness. ## Questions and answers **Who can become a Vayo Saathi volunteer?** Any citizen aged 18 years or above can become a Vayo Saathi volunteer. This includes students, young professionals, community volunteers, civil society organisations and institutional partners. **How do I register as a Vayo Saathi volunteer?** Interested citizens can register through the Senior Citizens Welfare (SCW) inclusion portal or the Jeevan app. Registered volunteers will be given a Vayo Saathi certificate. **What is the Vayo Samman National Campaign?** It is a national intergenerational engagement campaign of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, run under the Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana. Its aim is to build mutual respect and cooperation between senior citizens and young people. **What will volunteers do?** Volunteers will act as friends, facilitators and contact points for senior citizens. They will help them reach information, welfare services, community activities and digital support. **Is there a last date to join the campaign?** The notice does not state any last date for joining. Registration can be done through the SCW inclusion portal or the Jeevan app. Kasba Desk, Kasba. This routine notice was drafted with AI from an official source and published automatically; an editor reviews it after publishing.