Elderly People Are an Invaluable Heritage of Society, Says Suman Bahamani
YAMUNANAGAR | PEN OF DEMOCRACY NEWS DESK
The Yamunanagar-Jagadhri Municipal Corporation organised a special outreach programme at the old-age home located at Boodia Gate, Jagadhri, as part of the Seva Sankalp Abhiyan. Mayor Suman Bahamani, Municipal Commissioner Mahabir Prasad, former Cabinet Minister Kanwar Pal and municipal councillors met elderly residents, shared experiences with them and enquired about their well-being and requirements.
The programme focused on companionship and dignity rather than merely distributing material assistance. Municipal Corporation representatives presented warm blankets, cookers and kettles to the residents of the old-age home. The gifts brought visible happiness among the elderly, while the interaction gave public representatives and officials an opportunity to listen to residents and understand their day-to-day needs.
A Programme Centred on Care and Companionship
The Seva Sankalp Abhiyan is being conducted across Haryana from September 17 to October 17, 2026, with activities linked to service, public participation and social responsibility. The Haryana government has described the campaign as a month-long initiative involving a range of public-oriented programmes. The Yamunanagar-Jagadhri civic body has also scheduled activities including visits to an old-age home, cleanliness drives, plantation, health-related programmes and other community initiatives.
At the Boodia Gate programme, the emphasis was on spending time with elderly residents and recognising their contribution and experience. The gathering brought together elected representatives, civic officials, councillors and other public representatives in an informal setting.
Speaking on the occasion, Mayor Suman Bahamani said elderly people are an invaluable heritage of society and that their experiences and lessons from life can guide younger generations. She said respecting senior citizens is the responsibility of every individual.
Bahamani said the objective of the Seva Sankalp Abhiyan is not confined to cleanliness or development-related activities. In her view, connecting with every section of society with sensitivity and a spirit of service is also an important part of the campaign. She emphasised that the elderly deserve attention, dignity and respect not only during organised programmes but as a continuing social responsibility.
Municipal Commissioner Highlights Importance of Listening to Senior Citizens
Municipal Commissioner Mahabir Prasad said the Municipal Corporation is organising service and public-participation activities in different parts of the city under the campaign. He said spending time with elderly people and understanding their needs is an important component of social service.
Prasad said the experiences of senior citizens remain valuable for society and added that their dignity and well-being should receive due attention. The interaction at the old-age home, he said, provided an opportunity for civic representatives and officials to understand the residents’ requirements directly.
The visit also highlighted the role of community institutions in providing day-to-day care for elderly people who live away from their families. According to trustee Soni of Vishram Park Trust, the old-age home currently houses 18 elderly men and 20 elderly women.
The trust’s routine includes bed tea in the morning, breakfast, lunch and dinner, followed by milk before bedtime. A doctor visits the old-age home twice a week to examine the health of the residents. The information shared during the programme underlined the importance of regular food, healthcare and personal attention in maintaining the well-being of elderly residents.
Kanwar Pal Calls for Respect for Elders
Former Cabinet Minister Kanwar Pal said respect for elders has traditionally held an important place in Indian society and families can benefit from the experience of senior citizens. He said society should move forward by learning from the lives and experiences of elderly people.
Kanwar Pal also said activities based on service and respect can convey a positive social message. Programmes of this nature, he said, can help elderly residents feel a sense of belonging and recognition.
The presence of councillors and civic officials added a public-participation dimension to the programme. Residents interacted with the visiting representatives and shared the atmosphere of the gathering. The distribution of useful household items was combined with personal interaction, making the programme more focused on direct engagement with the elderly.
Community Participation Remains Central to the Campaign
The old-age-home visit forms part of a wider series of activities being organised in Yamunanagar-Jagadhri under the Seva Sankalp Abhiyan. Recent information released about the civic campaign has listed blood donation, plantation, cleanliness, health check-ups, digital literacy, cyber-safety, de-addiction awareness and riverfront-related activities among the planned programmes.
For the elderly, however, the value of such an initiative extends beyond the material support provided during a single event. Regular interaction, access to healthcare and attention to everyday needs are important aspects of dignified living. The programme therefore brought the discussion of senior-citizen care into the broader framework of community service.
The event was conducted by councillor and BJP Mandal president Priyank Sharma. Chief Sanitation Inspector Harjeet Singh, Vinod Beniwal, BJP leader Nishchal Chaudhary, BJP district general secretary Narendra Singh Rana, Market Committee Jagadhri chairman Vipul Garg, Krishna Khadri, councillors Ruchi Kamboj, Reena Rastogi, Jayant Swami, Bhanu Pratap, Ankit, Jagdish Vidyarthi and others were present.
The gathering concluded with interaction between the elderly residents and the visiting representatives.
The visit also conveyed a broader message about the place of senior citizens in community life. While government and civic programmes can provide organised support, sustained respect, attentive listening and regular social engagement remain important responsibilities for families, institutions and society.
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