"Senior citizens as carriers of experience, tradition and values"
AGARTALA: Tripura Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha reminded the invaluable contributions of senior citizens as carriers of experience, tradition and values. He recapitulated state government's initiatives focus on welfare and transparency, and urged society to recognise the importance of the elderly and to respect their legacy.
Chief Minister was speaking at the inaugural function of a senior citizens' felicitation event at Aurobindo Club in Agartala Wednesday coinciding with the 80th Independence Day and the club's foundation day.
Dr Saha appreciated the various social activities conducted by the Aurobindo Club including blood donation and cloth distribution drives. He called for collective societal action, beginning at home, to ensure that the elderly are honored rather than viewed as 'burdens'.
The Chief Minister opined that with aging being inevitable, it is crucial for society to help create a culture that values the contributions of its older members.
He also spoke about the Ayushman Bharat Jan Arogya Yojana launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi providing health coverage up to Rs 5 lakh for senior citizens along with the Chief Minister Jan Arogya Yojana aimed at promoting the health of citizens over 70.
Dr Saha stressed the importance of community support and solidarity during times of need.
Reflecting on India's history, Chief Minister remarked on the resilience of Indian culture despite historical invasions by foreign powers asserting the unity of the diverse population. He reaffirmed the government's commitment to preserving tradition since 2018 and its work towards urban development, specifically mentioning plans for efficient rainwater drainage in Agartala, which he noted is not a practice commonly observed in other cities globally.
Agartala Mayor Dipak Majumder and dignitaries attended the event.