KHRC Directs Use of ‘Snehalayam’ Instead of ‘Vriddhasadan’
'Vriddhasadan' (old-age home) will be called 'Snehalayam' (house of love) in Kerala from now on
Kozhikode: The KHRC on Wednesday directed the authorities to replace the term 'Vriddhasadan' (old-age home) with 'Snehalayam' (house of love) in all official references to such institutions, in line with a GO.The Kerala Human Rights Commission directed the Social Justice Department to ensure that 'Snehalayam' replaces 'Vriddhasadan' on name boards, official websites, publications, public documents and all other communication platforms without delay, according to a statement.
The order was passed by the Commission's judicial member, K Byjunath, while considering a complaint that argued the term 'Vriddhar' (old people) creates a sense of inferiority among senior citizens.
The Social Justice Department informed the Commission that the state government had, through an order issued on December 2, 2024, officially renamed all 'Vriddhasadans' as 'Snehalayams'. However, the old term continues to be widely used, the statement said.
The commission directed the department to create awareness and ensure that the new name is reflected in all records and public communication without delay.
The direction came on a complaint filed by Prof Varghese Mathew, the statement added.
