On International Senior Citizens Day, Chhattisgarh chief minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai honoured senior citizens in a ceremony held in Surajpur district. The event saw elderly individuals from the district being felicitated with a shawl, coconut, and benefiting from various government schemes.

Addressing the gathering, CM Sai emphasised the importance of serving the elderly, stating, "On this day, I salute the senior citizens for their legacy and guidance. I urge the youth to serve them wholeheartedly and seek their blessings." He also outlined the government's initiatives for different sections of society, including senior citizens, underprivileged individuals, labourers, and farmers.

Sai noted that over 14 lakh senior citizens in the state receive pension payments directly into their bank accounts. He also highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Ayushman Bharat scheme, which provides free healthcare to individuals above 70 years of age. The Chief Minister stated that the Health Department had been instructed to issue Ayushman cards to all senior citizens to ensure access to free treatment.

He further mentioned the state government's arrangements for senior citizens to visit Ayodhya for darshan of Lord Ram, including free transportation, accommodation, and meals as part of a pilgrimage scheme.

During the event, Food Minister Shri Dayaldas Baghel emphasized the role of elders in guiding development and stressed the importance of respecting and caring for them. Women and Child Development Minister Smt. Laxmi Rajwade compared the elderly to the "soothing shade of a banyan tree," highlighting their role in family life.

MLA Shri Bhulan Singh Maravi also addressed the gathering, and Surajpur Collector Shri Rohit Vyas delivered the welcome speech.