Munish Sood
Mandi
Elderly residents take centre stage as Dehri institution completes 25 years; MLA Rakesh Jamwal announces ₹2 lakh for new hall
It was a day of memories, gratitude and celebration at the Old Age Home at Dehri in Sundernagar today as the institution marked its Silver Jubilee, completing 25 years of service to elderly citizens.
The milestone celebration brought together elderly residents, former office-bearers, donors, social organisations and public representatives, turning the anniversary into a gathering that celebrated not just the institution’s journey, but the people who have helped make it a home for senior citizens.
The programme was presided over by Trust president Dr Padam Singh Guleria, while Sundernagar MLA Rakesh Jamwal was the chief guest.
The occasion provided an opportunity to acknowledge those who have contributed to the institution over the years. Former office-bearers V.V. Kaushal, B.R. Sharma and Roop Chand Sharma were honoured for their association and contribution. Donors who supported the construction of the new building were also felicitated, along with various organisations that have continued to extend assistance to the Old Age Home.
A special feature of today’s Silver Jubilee celebrations was a cultural programme presented with the participation of the elderly residents themselves. Their performances added an emotional and celebratory dimension to the occasion, with the residents becoming active participants rather than mere spectators.
MLA Rakesh Jamwal appreciated the work being carried out by the trust for the welfare of senior citizens and announced ₹2 lakh from his discretionary funds for construction of a hall at the Old Age Home. He also assured continued support and appealed to social organisations and members of the community to contribute towards the institution.
The contribution of the present and past leadership was also acknowledged during the function. B.R. Sharma recalled the services and contributions of several personalities associated with the region, including Rajmata of Suket State Krishna Kumari, Raj Kanwar Kamla Singh Sain, Pandit Manohar Lal, Dr Pandey, Lala Bishan Das, Padam Dev Gaur, Krishna Chand Arya and Satya Prakash Sharma.
Secretary Uttam Chand Sharma presented the annual report covering the past three years, giving details of the institution’s activities as well as its income and expenditure.
The gathering also discussed the future of the trust. Although the tenure of the present executive committee has formally ended, those attending agreed to extend its term by another year so that ongoing projects and other planned works could be completed.
The event was organised by a team headed by Lalit Sharma, which made arrangements for the programme and received appreciation from those attending.
As the Old Age Home completed 25 years today, the Silver Jubilee served as a reminder of the role that community support can play in giving elderly citizens more than shelter—a sense of belonging, companionship and dignity in the later years of life.
