Mysuru: Minister for Women and Child Welfare Department Umashree on Sunday called upon the youths to share their ideas and views with the senior citizens and make use of their expertise for the betterment of the society and the country.

Addressing the gathering at an event to mark inauguration of Mythri Mahotsava and release of a book ‘Vishaaya Onde! Okkane Bere’ organised by Mythri School for Differently Abled at Rani Bahadur auditorium at Manasagangothri, the minister said, while the youths are resource, the senior citizens are an asset to the nation.

Umashree said that it is not an easy task to take care of the specially abled persons. “They (specially abled) live as kids throughout their life and the parents play a prominent role in bringing up special kids, and it is an achievement indeed,” she said.

The state government has introduced several welfare schemes for senior citizens and physically challenged people. Helpline for senior citizens at district centres, resource centres, hike in pension are the some of welfare schemes launched by Siddaramaiah-led state government, said Umashree.

The book ‘Vishaya Onde! Okkane Bere’, was authored by Venkoba Rao, one of the founders of Mythri School. The minister said that Rao’s selfless service to the welfare of the specially abled in the last three decades is commendable.

Mythri Charitable Trust also identified persons for their meritorious service and conferred awards. While ’The Ambassador of Goodwill’ was conferred on J Nair of Marlabs Software, and was handedover to Channakeshava, ‘Mythri Mitra’ award was conferred on G K Murugesh. MLA Vasu, Ravindra Prasad of Art of Living, Bengaluru, Channakeshava of Marlabs Software, Mysuru, and others were present.