normalnormalnormalThe Chandigarh Citizens Foundation (CCF) marked its first anniversary, reaffirming its commitment to fostering responsible citizenship, civic engagement and inclusive development. The event was graced by Gulab Chand Kataria, Governor of Punjab and Administrator, Union Territory, Chandigarh, as the Chief Guest.The anniversary celebration brought together eminent citizens, professionals, academicians, artists, policymakers, entrepreneurs and members of civil society to commemorate a year of impactful citizen-led initiatives and to chart the Foundation’s vision for the future.Governor, Gulab Chand Kataria congratulated the Chandigarh Citizens Foundation on its first Annual Day, praising its rapid progress since 2025. In just one year, the Foundation has advanced citizen participation, mental health (Project Saathi for students), elderly care (Project Seva), emergency response training with PGIMER, mentorship programmes, and local talent promotion through 12 focus groups covering health, security, arts, science, education, women empowerment and more, supported by over 200 volunteers.“I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the President of the Chandigarh Citizens Foundation, former Chief of Army Staff General V.P. Malik, all the office-bearers, members, volunteers, and collaborating institutions of the organisation on this occasion. Within just one year, you have successfully developed this organisation into a strong public platform that connects various sections of society,” he added.He highlighted Chandigarh’s unique planned design by Le Corbusier, its green spaces, educational institutions, and Prime Minister Modi’s description of it as an ideal model of development for India. Real development, he stressed, must be inclusive—reaching the last person through opportunities, dignity, safety, and empowerment for all sections of society.The Governor called for a drug-free society, sustainable living, and active citizen participation beyond government efforts.While speaking on the occasion, the Governor emphasized the need to make Chandigarh the country’s number one city and appreciated the dedicated efforts by all stakeholders. He noted that the administration is fortunate to have experienced officers and officials working towards the city’s development through the foundation.Highlighting education achievements, he said Chandigarh has emerged as a leader in school education, and government schools have recorded outstanding results at the 10+2 level. Referring to the health sector, the Governor reiterated his vision of developing Chandigarh as a regional medical hub, stating that patients from across the country and abroad visit the city for quality treatment.He also pointed out the city’s steady progress in tourism, sanitation, pollution control and expansion of green cover. He called for collective efforts and invited suggestions from all departments and stakeholders to ensure maximum benefit for citizens. He further highlighted the introduction of Evening OPD services and said that all 48 dispensaries in the city would be adequately equipped to provide better healthcare facilities. Stressing the importance of sports, he announced that another marathon, along with several other sporting activities, would be organized in November, adding that Chandigarh possesses immense potential to excel in sports.Speaking on the occasion, General Ved Prakash Malik, former Chief of Army Staff and President of CCF, said, “Our first year has been about establishing credibility. The years ahead have to be about lasting impact. We intend to expand both SAATHI and SEWA further, while launching new initiatives, including Basic Life Support and first-aid training for ordinary citizens across the Tricity so that families and communities are better equipped to handle medical emergencies.”He said the Foundation would soon launch the CCF Mentorship Programme, under which experienced professionals would provide free practical mentorship and guidance to young people. Looking ahead to Chandigarh’s 75th year, he said CCF also aims to create platforms for the city’s young musicians, poets, writers, actors and dancers while reconnecting generations of Chandigarh residents through meaningful civic and cultural engagement.“My expectation is that CCF should be remembered not for the events it organised, but for the culture of responsible citizenship it helped build—a Chandigarh known not only as the City Beautiful, but as the City of Responsible Citizens,” General Malik added.Reflecting on its journey since its inception, CCF highlighted how it has evolved into a vibrant platform promoting meaningful public dialogue, collaboration and citizen participation for the sustainable development of the Chandigarh region while contributing to nation-building. Over the past year, the Foundation has successfully fostered partnerships across sectors to address issues of public importance and strengthen community participation.A major highlight of the evening was the presentation of the CCF Scroll of Honour to 28 distinguished individuals whose exceptional voluntary contributions played a pivotal role in shaping the Foundation during its formative year. The Foundation also felicitated Shri Amrit Sagar Mittal, Vice Chairman, Sonalika Tractors, its First Founding Corporate Member in recognition of the important role played by responsible corporate partnerships in strengthening citizen-led social initiatives.Reaffirming its vision, CCF said it would continue to serve as a catalyst for informed dialogue, collaborative action and citizen participation, working with institutions, professionals and volunteers to build a more inclusive, progressive and responsible society.The anniversary celebrations concluded a week-long series of intellectually enriching public programmes spanning literature, science and international affairs. These included Lafz, Sur aur Safar, a candid conversation between renowned lyricist and poet Irshad Kamil and acclaimed singer-poet Satinder Sartaaj at Panjab University; an inspiring lecture by Jainendra K. Jain, recipient of the 2025 Wolf Prize in Physics, titled My Journey from a Village in Rajasthan to the Frontiers of Quantum Physics at Tagore Theatre; and a thought-provoking public lecture by author, journalist and former Minister of State for External Affairs M. J. Akbar on The Coming War of the Six Seas: Geopolitics, Maritime Strategy & India’s Role at CRRID.During its inaugural year, CCF organised 49 impactful programmes through its 12 Focus Groups, covering diverse areas including education, healthcare, science, public policy, environment, culture, heritage, leadership, youth development, sports, national security and social welfare.The Foundation also highlighted the encouraging response received by its two flagship initiatives—Project SAATHI, aimed at promoting mental well-being among school students, and Project SEWA, dedicated to improving the quality of life of senior citizens. Both initiatives have already begun creating meaningful impact across the region.Prominent personalities present on the occasion included Prof Grover, former PU V-C, Lord Diljit Rana, former bureaucrat RI Singh, Neelam Man Singh, Justice Hemant Gupta, Dr KK Talwar, former PGI Director, ML Sarin, noted advocate MP Rajinder Gupta, Lt Gen Pushpendra, Vivek Atray, former IAS officer, author and motivational speaker and Satya Pal Jain, former MP among others.normalnormalThe post CCF Unveils Vision for a More Responsible & Inclusive Society appeared first on Chandigarh City News.