Chandigarh, Aug. 2 -- Calling for inclusive development of the city, Punjab governor and UT administrator Gulab Chand Kataria on Saturday emphasised that the benefits of initiatives must reach the last person. At the first anniversary celebration of the Chandigarh Citizens Foundation (CCF) in Sector 17, Kataria asked its 12 specified groups working on tourism, health, sports and other fields to give suggestions for the betterment of the city. "I extend my heartfelt congratulations to former Chief of Army Staff, General VP Malik, president of the Chandigarh Citizens Foundation, the office-bearers, members, volunteers and collaborating institutions of the organisation on this occasion. Within just one year, you have successfully developed this organisation into a strong public platform that connects various sections of society," he said. According to the foundation, in one year, it has advanced citizen participation through mental health (Project SAATHI for students), elderly care (Project SEWA), emergency response training with PGIMER, mentorship programmes, and local talent promotion through 12 focus groups covering health, security, arts, science, education, women empowerment and more, supported by over 200 volunteers. The governor highlighted Chandigarh's unique planned design by Le Corbusier, its green spaces, educational institutions, and Prime Minister Modi's description of it as an ideal model of development for India. Real development, he stressed, must be inclusive-reaching the last person through opportunities, dignity, safety, and empowerment for all sections of society. Kataria emphasised the need to make Chandigarh the country's number one city and appreciated the dedicated efforts by all stakeholders. Highlighting educational achievements, he said Chandigarh has emerged as a leader in school education, and government schools have recorded outstanding results at the 10+2 level. Referring to the health sector, the governor reiterated his vision of developing Chandigarh as a regional medical hub, stating that patients from across the country and abroad visit the city for quality treatment. He further highlighted the introduction of evening OPD services and said that all 48 dispensaries in the city would be adequately equipped to provide better healthcare facilities. Stressing the importance of sports, he announced that another marathon and several other sporting events would be organised in November, adding that Chandigarh possesses immense potential to excel in sports. Speaking on the occasion, General VP Malik (retd) said, "Our first year has been about establishing credibility. The years ahead have to be about lasting impact. We intend to expand both SAATHI and SEWA further, while launching new initiatives, including basic life support and first-aid training for ordinary citizens across the tricity so that families and communities are better equipped to handle medical emergencies." 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, the 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. During its inaugural year, the CCF organised 49 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. A major highlight of the evening was the presentation of the CCF Scroll of Honour to 28 distinguished individuals whose voluntary contributions played a pivotal role in shaping the foundation during its formative year. The foundation also felicitated Amrit Sagar Mittal, vice chairman of Sonalika Tractors, its first founding corporate member in recognition of the role played by responsible corporate partnerships in strengthening citizen-led social initiatives. Prominent personalities present included former PU vice-chancellor Arun Kumar Grover, justice Hemant Gupta, PGIMER ex-director KK Talwar, former member of the House of Lords, United Kingdom, Diljit Rana, former bureaucrat RI Singh, MP Rajinder Gupta, Lt Gen Pushpendra Singh and former MP Satya Pal Jain among others....