Agartala, Aug 19 (IANS) Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Wednesday said senior citizens are the living bearers of experience, traditions and values, and their lifelong contributions and wisdom are an invaluable asset for the younger generation.
Addressing the inaugural function of a programme to felicitate senior citizens, the Chief Minister said the BJP government is working transparently for the welfare of the people.
Saha noted that various clubs in Tripura undertake social activities from time to time and contribute to the welfare of society.
“Starting from blood donation to clothing donation, they are involved in various types of activities. Such initiatives will send a special message to society and the whole of Tripura. Other social organisations in the state will also draw inspiration from such initiatives and join such programmes,” he said.
The Chief Minister said such initiatives should begin from every household and that society must ensure older adults are treated with dignity and respect.
“With time, everyone will grow old. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given special importance to preserving our old traditions. We have to capitalise on that and move forward so that older people are not considered a burden or neglected. One day or another, everyone has to leave this world. But they should leave this world with respect and, before leaving, give something to the people,” he said.
Saha said senior citizens possess valuable experience and knowledge that can guide younger generations, adding that maintaining close relationships with older adults is an important responsibility of society.
He said the Prime Minister has given special emphasis to the healthcare and welfare of senior citizens.
“Keeping in mind the health of citizens above 70 years of age, the Prime Minister has launched the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana for their protection, under which medical services of up to Rs 5 lakh will be available. We have also launched the Chief Minister Jan Arogya Yojana in that direction,” he said.
The Chief Minister emphasised the importance of maintaining social relationships and helping one another.
“Maintaining relations with people is very important. Everyone should make an effort to do something for society. When one person needs help, the other should stand by them,” he said.
Saha also spoke about India’s rich cultural heritage and said that despite invasions by several foreign powers, including the Mughals and the British, the country has preserved its own culture and civilisation.
“But even then, India has retained its own culture and civilisation. Even though it is a place where people of different religions and castes live, we are all united. Since 2018, the BJP government has been working with special emphasis on preserving our old traditions,” he said.
The Chief Minister said preserving traditions and values was essential to keep the younger generation connected to the country’s cultural heritage. He reiterated that the state government was committed to transparency and people‑centric development.
“Our government wants to be transparent and is working for the welfare of the people with transparency. Plans are being worked on for the development of Agartala city,” Saha said.
He added that the government was continuously working to implement various development projects in Agartala and improve civic infrastructure.
“The government is working continuously to implement development. Arrangements are being made to quickly discharge the water accumulated during rains into the river through pumps in the city, which is not done in any city in the country. Efforts are being made to do it faster,” he said.
Agartala Municipal Corporation Mayor and MLA Dipak Majumdar was also present at the event.
–IANS
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