Single Seniors Welfare Trust (SSWT)

Care • Welfare • Empowerment • Entertainment for Single Seniors

Ageing is a natural and inevitable part of human life, but how society treats its elderly defines its moral and cultural values. In India, senior citizens constitute a rapidly growing segment of the population, yet they often remain neglected and invisible in public policy and social structures. Within this community, single seniors—those who live alone due to widowhood, separation, or having no children—face the most acute challenges. They struggle not only with health issues but also with loneliness, lack of financial and legal support, and limited avenues for social engagement.

The Single Seniors Welfare Trust (SSWT) was founded with a clear mission: to serve as a strong, compassionate platform for single seniors in Delhi and beyond. Established in October 2022 and formally registered in March 2023, SSWT has grown rapidly from just five founding members to over 300 active members in less than three years. Today, SSWT is recognized as one of the most dynamic senior citizen organizations in the capital, focusing exclusively on the needs of single seniors.

Vision

To create a society where single senior citizens can live with dignity, independence, happiness, and security.

Mission

1- To provide care, welfare, and empowerment to single seniors through structured programs and support systems.

2- To promote social inclusion and combat loneliness by organizing cultural, recreational, and awareness activities.

3- To guide seniors in crucial areas such as Will writing, RTI filing, digital literacy, medical help, and financial planning.

4- To establish innovative services like the SSWT Helplineand SSWT Mitra, bringing practical and emotional support directly to seniors’ homes.

Growth and Membership

From its humble beginnings with only five members, SSWT today has more than 300 registered members, most of whom reside in North and West Delhi, particularly in areas like Keshav Puram, Ashok Vihar, and Rohini. Membership is open to all senior citizens, though the focus is on those living alone without family support.

The trust has become a safe haven where seniors can share their problems, seek guidance, and find companionship. Members actively participate in monthly birthday celebrations, cultural evenings, picnics, health camps, and educational workshops. The rapid growth of SSWT demonstrates that seniors are seeking such dedicated platforms, and the organization is filling a crucial gap.

Leadership and Governance

The Trust is led by a dedicated team of seniors who themselves understand the struggles and aspirations of their peers.

Shri S.P. Manchanda

President

A retired banker, prolific author, and social activist working for senior citizen empowerment

Shri J.R. Arora

Vice President

Experienced in community mobilization

Shri R.K. Gulati

General Secretary

A committed senior leader who coordinates the forum’s activities

Smt. Neelu Chawla

Cultural Secretary

A deeply religous person, actively involved in managing SSWT activities

Single Seniors Welfare Trust Members

Smt. Champa Kakkar

Treasurer

A vibrant and energetic lady, diligently manages SSWT accounts

  • Managing Committee

  • A democratically elected body formed in April 2023, responsible for planning and execution.

The governance structure ensures transparency, participation, and accountability. Committee meetings are held regularly, and members are kept informed of activities and finances.

Major Initiatives

A. SSWT Helpline

The Helpline is designed as a one-stop solution for single seniors to access help with RTI filing, Will writing, digital literacy, and medical assistance. Seniors can simply call or message on WhatsApp, and volunteers will respond promptly. The Helpline also works as a referral point for emergency support, connecting seniors to hospitals, ambulance services, or government authorities.

B. SSWT Mitra

Recognizing the emotional and social needs of single seniors, SSWT is pioneering SSWT Mitra, a secure platform for companionship and matrimonial services. Seniors can voluntarily register their bio-data to seek:

·  Friendship

·  Travel/living companionship

·  Live-in relationships

·  Matrimonial alliances

All profiles will be verified, and confidentiality will be maintained. Counselling and family mediation will be offered to ensure dignity and acceptance. SSWT Mitra is a unique initiative in India, and once launched fully, it will set a national precedent in elder care.

C. Publications and Knowledge Sharing

SSWT members, especially its President Shri S.P. Manchanda, have authored several books on digital literacy, RTI, corruption, health and senior empowerment. These publications are used as resource material for awareness programs and workshops. Booklets and guides are distributed free of cost during events to help seniors learn about their rights and responsibilities.

Events and Celebrations

SSWT organizes a rich calendar of events throughout the year, including:

·  Monthly Birthday Celebrations: Honouring members born in a particular month.

·  Foundation Day: Celebrated in October every year, marking the growth of the Trust.

·  Health Camps: Eye check-ups, dental care, and blood tests with hospital tie-ups.

·  Cultural Evenings: Music, dance, poetry, and community meals.

·  Tours and Picnics: Visits to spiritual and cultural destinations like Ayodhya, Khatushyam, and JoyGaon.

These events create a sense of belonging and happiness, reminding single seniors that they are not alone.

Advocacy and Policy Engagement

Beyond direct services, SSWT actively engages in policy advocacy for senior citizens. The Trust has submitted grievances and petitions to government authorities on issues like:

·  Restoration of railway concessions for seniors.

·  Higher interest on senior citizen deposits.

·  Celebration of International Day of Older Persons (1st October).

·  Implementation of the revised Maintenance of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2019.

·  Rationalization of circle rates in Delhi.

By raising these issues with the Chief Minister, Prime Minister, and ministries, SSWT positions itself as a strong voice for senior rights.

Partnerships and Collaborations

SSWT believes in collaboration and regularly works with:

·  Hospitals and doctors for medical camps.

·  Banks and financial institutions for Will and financial literacy.

·  Other senior forums for joint events and advocacy.

·  CSR partners who can support with funding for senior welfare programs.

Such partnerships expand SSWT’s reach and impact.

Future Plans

1.    Website Launch: A dedicated bilingual website to showcase SSWT’s mission, services, and events.

2.    SSWT Helpline Expansion: Integrate with AI-powered chatbots for 24×7 assistance.

3.    SSWT Mitra Portal: Launch a secure online database for companionship and matrimonial services.

4.    Senior Welfare Hub: Establish a physical centre in Delhi for day-care, counselling, digital training, and social gatherings.

5.    CSR Engagement: Attract corporate funding for medical care, recreation, and empowerment programs.

6.    Public Awareness Campaigns: Organize seminars on organ donation, Will writing, and digital safety.

Impact So Far

·  300+ members enrolled within three years.

·  100+ seniors assisted in writing Wills.

·  Hundreds of grievances and RTI petitions filed to resolve member grievances.

·  Multiple health camps organized with free consultations.

·  Hundreds of seniors trained in digital literacy.

·  Monthly celebrations and cultural programs attended by large numbers.

SSWT’s model has already inspired other forums to replicate similar initiatives.

Why SSWT is Unique

·  Exclusive focus on single seniors, a neglected segment.

·  Comprehensive approach: legal, digital, medical, social, and emotional support.

·  Volunteer-driven: seniors helping seniors, creating trust and relatability.

·  Innovative initiatives like SSWT Mitra and AI Helpline.

·  Policy advocacy + ground-level support, combining systemic change with individual help.

Conclusion

The Single Seniors Welfare Trust (SSWT) is more than an NGO—it is a family, a support system, and a beacon of hope for single seniors in Delhi. By addressing practical needs like Will writing and RTI filing, empowering seniors with digital literacy, providing medical and emergency help, and ensuring recreation and companionship, SSWT has become a pioneer in holistic senior welfare.

As India’s senior population grows, the role of organizations like SSWT will become even more crucial. With continued support from members, volunteers, and partners, SSWT is determined to expand its reach and ensure that no single senior ever feels lonely, helpless, or neglected again.