Former bureaucrat, author, social reformer continues to inspire with her multifaceted journey
Subhash Mahajan
Dalhousie:
Dr Kiran Chadha, one of Dalhousie’s most distinguished residents and a woman of many talents, was recently honoured in New Delhi by the Department of Pension and Pensioners’ Welfare, Government of India, in collaboration with the State Bank of India.
The recognition came during the Nationwide Digital Life Certificate Campaign meeting, where she was felicitated with a shawl for being an exemplary SBI customer and a voice for pensioners’ welfare.
The event was graced by Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh, who lauded the participation of senior citizens like Dr Chadha in shaping pension reforms. During the meeting, Dr Chadha shared thoughtful suggestions to enhance welfare measures for pensioners and extended her gratitude to the minister for his continued efforts to improve pensioner services.
Trailblazer from Dalhousie
Dr Kiran Chadha holds the distinction of being the first person from Himachal Pradesh town Dalhousie to qualify for the civil services. A former officer of the Government of India, she served with dedication in key ministries including Petroleum, Commerce, Defence and Labour, before retiring as Joint Secretary in 2010.
Over the years, she has worn many hats — author, poet, artist, dancer, trekker and social worker. In 2000, she was conferred with the “Shreshtha Putri” Award by the Governor of Himachal Pradesh for her outstanding contributions to society.
Championing the cause of ‘Clean Dalhousie’
Committed to environmental causes, Dr Chadha founded the NGO ‘Swachh Dalhousie, Clean Dalhousie’, which continues to promote civic awareness and environmental cleanliness in her hometown.
As a prolific author, Dr Chadha has penned several acclaimed books such as “Dalhousie Meri Aankhon Se,” “Arzoo Dil Se,” “Ehsaas Dil Se,” “The Magic of Indian Weddings” and “Dil Ki Goonj.” During the Delhi event, she presented copies of her books to Dr. Jitendra Singh as a gesture of goodwill. Her literary works, deeply inspired by emotion, nature, and her Himalayan roots, have earned appreciation from readers across India.
