NISD Organizes 11-Day 'Training of Trainers' Program for Elderly Care

The National Institute of Social Defence (NISD), operating under the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, organized an 11-day 'Training of Trainers' (ToT) program for master trainers in the 'Geriatric Care Provider' job role. The program was held at the NISD campus in Dwarka, Delhi, and ran from September 7 to 18, 2026, organized by the Senior Citizen Division (Sr.CD) of the NISD.

The primary objective of the program was to enhance quality, standardization, and professional capacity in elderly care training. Through this initiative, the institute aims to create a national pool of certified master trainers capable of providing high-quality, competency-based training to caregivers across the country. Participants included professionals from various backgrounds, such as GNM, B.Sc. Nursing, Post Basic B.Sc. Nursing, M.Sc. Nursing, and MBBS.

During the inauguration session, Dr. H.C. Sridhara Channakeshav Ranga Reddy, Deputy Director of the Senior Citizen Division, highlighted the objectives of the program and emphasized the coordination between domain skills and platform skills. The program was divided into two main components: the 'Domain Skills' section focused on the professional competencies of a Geriatric Care Provider, while 'Platform Skills' were designed to refine the participants' abilities in communication, instruction, assessment, and training delivery.

A wide range of critical topics were covered during the training, including physical changes and health issues associated with aging, active aging, nutrition for the elderly, dementia care, mental health, management of non-communicable diseases, first aid, emergency care, yoga and meditation, and self-care for the caregiver.

The program featured interactive sessions led by experts. Ms. Jasmine Hussain conducted sessions on 'Platform Skills,' while Dr. Gahan S. Joyce, Dr. K.S. Bagotia, Mr. Prem Poddar, Mr. Arvind Narayanan, Mr. R. Narendra, Mr. Vishnu Shankar, Ms. Deepika Sharma, Ms. Sudha Zhijariya, and Ms. Tejaswini provided training across various domain skill areas.

The training methodology combined lectures with role plays, practical exercises, demonstrations, group activities, and case-based learning to develop both technical knowledge and teaching capabilities. Certificates were distributed to the participants at the conclusion of the program.

Notably, the National Council for Vocational Education and Training (NCVET) has recognized NISD as an 'Awarding Body,' marking a significant step toward strengthening vocational education and training in the field of elderly care.