The 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.
The Governor called for a drug-free society, sustainable living, and active citizen participation beyond government efforts.
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.
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.
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