Dehradun – The chief minister of Uttarakhand, Pushkar Singh Dhami, took part in the International Day of Older Persons celebrations at the Himalayan Cultural Centre in Neembuwala, Dehradun, on Thursday. The event featured the launch of a new civil‑services coaching initiative specially designed for persons with disabilities, alongside tributes to 23 senior citizens for their outstanding contributions across various fields.
Four young talents who secured top positions in the essay and painting contests were also honoured during the ceremony.
₹147.34 Crore Pension Distributed in One Click
Using a streamlined single‑click payment portal, the chief minister released the September pension payouts. A total of 9,93,886 pensioners received ₹147 crore 34 lakh 53 thousand, underscoring the government's commitment to timely financial support for senior citizens.
Dhami further reaffirmed his pledge to senior‑citizen welfare and planted a sapling under the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign on the venue grounds.
“Senior Citizens Are the Protective Shield of Families”
Addressing the gathering, Dhami extended heartfelt wishes to the elderly on this special day and prayed for their continued health and longevity.
He emphasized that senior citizens provide families with a sense of security, act as custodians of values, and transmit life lessons to younger generations. Describing them as a “protective shield,” he highlighted how their presence nurtures discipline, affection, and emotional bonding within households.
