In today’s fast-changing world, where technology and ambition often take center stage, the quiet presence of our elders can sometimes fade into the background. Yet, behind every family in Punjab lies the wisdom, strength, and patience of those who built its foundation. Recognizing their invaluable role, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann’s government launched the Sadde Buzurg Sadda Maan (Our Elders, Our Pride) initiative—a heartfelt effort to ensure that the elderly are cared for, respected, and never forgotten. This program goes beyond financial support; it represents a return to Punjab’s deep-rooted culture of compassion, where caring for one’s elders was not a responsibility but a matter of pride and honor.

Unlike older welfare schemes, Sadde Buzurg Sadda Maan is designed to bring emotional and practical change to the lives of senior citizens. Introduced on International Senior Citizens Day in 2023, the campaign focuses on health, dignity, and self-reliance. Dr. Baljit Kaur, Minister of Social Security, Women and Child Development, shared that the goal is to enhance the quality of life for Punjab’s elderly through extensive health camps organized across districts. These camps address age-related issues, offer free medical checkups, distribute spectacles and medicines, and even provide surgery facilities—all at no cost to the beneficiaries.

The government has also expanded its pension coverage, ensuring that more than 2.3 million elderly residents receive ₹1,500 every month through Direct Benefit Transfer. By August 2025, over ₹2055 crore had been distributed under this scheme, reinforcing the state’s commitment to financial stability for those who no longer have a steady income. A budget of ₹4100 crore has been earmarked for the current financial year to continue these efforts.

To further improve accessibility, senior citizen cards have been issued across the state, and a toll-free helpline—14567—has been set up for grievance redressal and assistance. Health camps have been conducted in multiple districts, including Ludhiana, Amritsar, Bathinda, Ferozepur, and Patiala, providing both medical and emotional support to those who need it most.

However, the true success of Sadde Buzurg Sadda Maan is seen not just in statistics but in the smiles it restores. When an elderly person can once again read without strain, walk without pain, or feel financially secure, that sense of dignity returns. It’s a reminder that progress is not measured only in technology or infrastructure but in how a society treats those who came before it.

As Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann emphasized, the initiative is not merely a welfare program but a reflection of Punjab’s soul—a gesture that renews the bond between generations. In his words, it is “the tilak on Punjab’s forehead,” symbolizing respect, care, and gratitude. Through Sadde Buzurg Sadda Maan, the state continues its timeless tradition of service, ensuring that every elder knows they remain the pride and strength of Punjab.

This scheme reaffirms a timeless truth: homes that honour their elders are the strongest, and societies that value them rise to greater heights. In Punjab, this is not just policy — it is emotion woven into action. “Sadde Buzurg Sadda Maan” is not just a government scheme; it is Punjab’s badge of honour, a cultural reaffirmation that our elders are our greatest asset.

Through this initiative, the Mann government sends a powerful message. Our elders are not a burden; they are our legacy, our pride, and our responsibility. In caring for them, we not only repay a debt but also enrich our own humanity.

Punjab has always upheld the tradition of seva — selfless service. With “Sadde Buzurg Sadda Maan”, that tradition is not only alive but evolving, embracing modern systems while staying rooted in timeless values.

Punjab is exploring a bold new initiative to connect students with the nation’s military heritage by placing iconic fighter jets within school campuses. The state’s School Education Minister, Harjot Singh Bains, has formally requested the Indian Air Force to allocate five retired MiG-21 aircraft for display at selected government-run Schools of Eminence.

The proposal envisions the aircraft as more than static exhibits. Bains hopes these symbols of national defense will serve as daily sources of inspiration for students, encouraging them to pursue paths in fields such as defense, aerospace, and engineering. The schools identified for this initiative are located in Ludhiana, Amritsar, Ferozepur, Nangal, and Kharar.

In a letter addressed to Air Chief Marshal S Amar Preet Singh, Bains invited the Air Force to collaborate on ceremonial events to mark the installation of each jet. These events would offer students a rare opportunity to learn about the aircraft’s operational history and its significance in shaping India’s defense narrative.

The MiG-21, recently decommissioned, holds a distinguished place in Indian military history. It played a key role in the 1965 Indo-Pak war, the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War, and the 1999 Kargil conflict. Bains described the aircraft as a lasting symbol of bravery, discipline, and service.

He also assured that all installations would fully comply with Indian Air Force protocols and would be carried out with respect and attention to detail.

This effort reflects the Punjab government’s larger vision for transforming public education. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the state has already launched international training programs for school principals in an effort to raise academic standards and broaden student horizons.

Ultimately, the proposal is about more than displaying military hardware. It aims to bring history to life, instill national pride, and inspire the next generation to aim higher in both education and service.