Kiran highlights rising elderly suicides and urges religious communities to address social issues

Nineteen elderly people have committed suicide this year, possibly because we are not caring for them as we should and because many people are migrating and we must address issues affecting the elderly, the disabled, and violence against women in religious settings.

This has been highlighted by the Assistant Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection, Sashi Kiran, while speaking at Dreketi Maha Vishnu Temple during their annual Purattasi Puja in Saweni, Lautoka.

Kiran noted that 90 percent of residents in old age care homes are Indo-Fijians.

The Assistant Minister says many issues, including those concerning the elderly, crimes against women where there are also cases of domestic violence committed by Fijians living overseas, as well as issues affecting the disabled, are not often discussed in religious settings but we should think about what Lord Vishnu taught us and how we can be righteous.

Kiran further says that during the month of Purattasi Puja, some people follow certain rules, such as abstaining from meat, alcohol, and smoking, to cleanse their bodies as it is also important to cleanse our soul and let go of anger, jealousy or anything that hinders our spiritual growth.

The Assistant Minister also says that Lord Ram had a very difficult life, but he and Goddess Sita remained peaceful, offering valuable lessons for us.

She says our ancestors also endured many hardships and pain, but they followed Lord Ram's path, teaching us to maintain peace in our homes and our country.

Kiran says that our homes will not be peaceful if we are shouting at the elderly, women, or children and adds a peaceful home leads to a peaceful society and a peaceful nation.