New Delhi, Sep 29 (IANS): President Pranab Mukharjee will present the National Awards for Senior Citizens -- Vayoshreshtha Samman-2016 -- to eminent individuals and institutions in recognition of their service towards the cause of elderly persons, especially indigent senior citizens.

The awards will be presented at Vigyan Bhawan here on International Day of Older Persons which is observed on October 1, according to an official statement released by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment on Thursday.

These awards are intended to be conferred on eminent senior citizens and institutions involved in rendering distinguished services for the cause of elderly persons especially indigent senior citizens, it said.

International Day of Older Persons is observed pursuant to the adoption of a resolution by the UN General Assembly to observe the year 1999 as the International Year of Older Persons with the theme -- "a society for all ages".

National Awards are intended to show case the government's concern for senior citizens and its commitment towards them with the aim of strengthening their legitimate place in the society, according to the statement.

"They are also intended to provide an opportunity to the younger generation to understand the contribution of the elderly in building of the society and the nation," it added.