21-08-2026:Address by the Hon’ble Governor of Uttarakhand at the Felicitation Ceremony Organized on the Occasion of ‘Senior Citizens Day’

Jai Hind!

Respected members of ‘Travi Club 60’, office-bearers of the management committee, senior citizens, ladies and gentlemen, I extend my heartiest greetings to all of you.

It gives me immense pleasure to be present among you on this dignified occasion of Senior Citizens Day. First of all, I sincerely congratulate ‘Travi Club 60’ for organizing this beautiful and meaningful event. Your effort to honour senior citizens, appreciate their experiences, and highlight their contributions before society is truly commendable.

Today is not merely a day for a ceremony. It is a day to express our gratitude, to bow before experience, and to honour those life journeys that have made invaluable contributions to the building of families, society, and the nation.

Our senior citizens are not merely a part of society. They are our living heritage, our wealth of experience, and an invaluable legacy of values and traditions. Their lives are stories of struggle, experiences of success, the ability to make decisions in difficult circumstances, and a reservoir of wisdom that can guide future generations. An experienced life can teach us things that no book ever could.

Indian culture has always accorded special respect to elders. Our tradition says:

“Matru Devo Bhava, Pitru Devo Bhava, Acharya Devo Bhava.”

— Regard your mother as divine, your father as divine, and your teacher as divine.

This is not merely a verse; it is the foundation of our values of life. In our tradition, the greatest strength of a family is considered not merely its prosperity, but also the blessings and experience of its elders.

The soul of Indian culture lies in our family system. The family is the first school of values, sensitivity, and life lessons. ‘Kutumb Prabodhan’ is a meaningful and tireless effort to preserve this invaluable heritage of our family system.

In today’s digital age, while technology has connected us with one another, it has sometimes also increased distances even among people living under the same roof. Therefore, it is extremely important to revive traditions such as having a weekly family meal together, singing devotional songs, engaging in collective conversations, and spending time together.

Such small efforts strengthen a sense of belonging within the family, bring generations closer, and nurture in children a sense of respect for elders and pride in our Sanatan culture and values.

In this endeavour, the role of our senior citizens is most important. They are the living link to the family’s memories, values, and experiences. Sitting with them, listening to them, and learning from their experiences is also a way of enriching the next generation.

The youth possess new energy and new ideas, while the senior generation possesses experience, patience, wisdom, and a deep understanding of life. Therefore, we should not increase the distance between generations; rather, we should strengthen dialogue and participation between them.

When youthful energy and the experience of elders move together, the progress of society becomes more balanced and the strength of the nation becomes more robust.

I also believe that retirement is not a full stop in life. It is the beginning of a new chapter. One may retire from a job, but one can never retire from experience. Senior citizens have much to contribute to society—their expertise, ideas, sensitivity, and guidance.

Today, we need to view senior citizens not merely as people who deserve respect and care, but also as an active and guiding force in society. Whether it is education, culture, social service, environmental protection, mentoring young people, or preserving local knowledge, senior citizens can play an important role in every field.

When we talk about Uttarakhand, the importance of senior citizens becomes even more distinctive. Devbhoomi Uttarakhand is great not only because of its mountain ranges and pilgrimage sites, but also because of its culture, folk traditions, values, and way of life. The elders of our villages and mountains are living custodians of folk knowledge, local languages, folk songs, traditional agriculture, medicinal knowledge, and experiences of living in harmony with nature.

They possess a way of looking at the Himalayas that is shaped not merely by their eyes, but by their experience. Therefore, it is our responsibility to pass their knowledge and experience on to the next generation.

A life that is itself a book contains experiences that must reach future generations. Systematically documenting their life experiences, struggles, and achievements can be an important step in this direction, ensuring that this invaluable heritage becomes a source of inspiration and guidance for generations to come.

I also believe that senior life is not merely about longevity. A healthy, active, dignified, and happy life is what truly makes the later years of life meaningful. Yoga, Ayurveda, a balanced routine, positive thinking, and social participation can bring renewed energy to the lives of senior citizens. The cultural programme and various competitions organized at today’s समारोह are a beautiful example of this spirit of activity and enthusiasm.

I would like to say to all senior citizens: Your life experience is a guiding light for future generations. Share your experiences, engage in dialogue with young people, remain connected with society, and pass your knowledge on to the next generation. The more your experience is shared with society, the richer society will become.

At the same time, I appeal to our younger generation to make time for their parents and elders. They need not only facilities and comforts, but also time, conversation, and affection. Sit with them sometimes and listen to the stories of their lives. You may discover, within your own family history, stories of struggle, courage, and inspiration that could transform your life.

Our scriptures say:

“Abhivadanasheelasya Nityam Vriddhopasevinah,
Chatvari Tasya Vardhante Ayurvidya Yasho Balam.”

This means that a person who respects elders and serves senior members of society is blessed with an increase in longevity, knowledge, fame, and strength. This is the greatness of our culture: it regards respect for elders not merely as social etiquette, but as a source of strength in life.

On this occasion, I bow with deep respect to all the honoured senior citizens. You have devoted the valuable years of your lives to your families, society, and the nation. Your hard work is the foundation of our present, and your experience is the guiding force for our future.

I also extend my heartiest congratulations to all the winners who have received awards. Let us build a society where families are strong, senior citizens are respected and active, young people receive guidance, values are passed from one generation to another, and the beautiful bridge between experience and youthful energy continues to grow stronger.

The blessings of our elders are our strength, their experience is our direction, their affection is our heritage, and their honour is the identity of our eternal Sanatan culture.

With this sentiment, I extend my heartfelt wishes to all of you on Senior Citizens Day.

May you all remain healthy, happy, and active, and may you continue to pass your invaluable experience on to future generations.

With these good wishes, I conclude my address.

Vande Mataram! Bharat Mata Ki Jai!
Jai Hind! Jai Uttarakhand!