‘Their Legacy, Our Identity’: 35 Faridabad Schools Join 10th Edition of Khyal Apne Buzurgon Ka

Faridabad, 1 October 2026: On the occasion of the International Day of Older Persons, Daksh Foundation organised the 10th edition of its social initiative, “Khyal Apne Buzurgon Ka” (#KAB2026), at the Mata Amritanandamayi Auditorium, Amrita Hospital. Held under the theme “Their Legacy, Our Identity,” the programme brought together students from around 35 Faridabad schools with their grandparents.

The programme highlighted that the legacy of older persons is more than a collection of memories. It carries life experience, family values and lessons that help younger generations understand their roots and identity. Speakers connected their remarks to the theme, emphasising the importance of intergenerational dialogue, respect and passing elders’ experiences on to the next generation.

The programme opened with an audio-visual presentation tracing the ten-year journey of #KAB. Brigadier N. N. Mathur, representing Daksh Foundation, delivered the welcome address. He welcomed the guests, schools, students, parents and senior citizens, and spoke about how affection and communication between generations strengthen families.

Dr. Ajit Tewatia, General Council Member, National Institute of Social Defence (NISD), Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India, and Member, Ministry of Steel, Government of India, attended as a Guest of Honour. Renowned poet and author Shri Dinesh Raghuvanshi was also present as a Guest of Honour.

Dinesh Raghuvanshi captivated the audience with his poetry. His verses added warmth to the gathering and brought the programme’s message about elders’ experiences and family legacy to life.

In his address, Dr. Ajit Tewatia praised Daksh Foundation’s initiative and congratulated the entire team on organising the tenth edition. He described respect for older persons and passing their experiences on to younger generations as an important need of the times. He also assured the audience that the Ministry would continue to make efforts to collaborate with Daksh Foundation on similar programmes.

Jagesh Nair, Head of Marketing and Public Relations at Amrita Hospital, also addressed the gathering. Dr. Ramesh K. Chadha, Psychiatrist at Amrita Hospital, spoke on healthy ageing, mental health and overall well-being. He noted that physical health, mental well-being, an active lifestyle and emotional support from family all contribute to healthy ageing. Shri Nair spoke about the purpose of the programme and the importance of building greater sensitivity towards older persons.

Students from DAV Public School, Sector 14; Shri Ram Model School, Sector 21A; and Delhi Scholars International School, Sector 88 presented cultural performances. Their performances conveyed messages of respect for elders, strong family relationships and carrying their legacy forward.

The interactive programme centred on participation by children and their grandparents. Activities including “My Story, My Legacy,” “Then and Now,” “If I Were 18 Again…,” “Today, I Am Your Teacher,” and “Two Generations—One Team” gave participants a chance to exchange experiences and ideas. Through the Legacy Card and Legacy Wall, they shared their learning and messages. “A Question I Never Asked” and “One Promise—One Bond” created space for families to speak openly and make a commitment to stand by one another. The programme concluded with a Collective Legacy Pledge and a Legacy Moment.

Several participants said that programmes like this give children an opportunity to hear their elders’ stories and understand the lessons their families carry. They described the initiative as valuable for society and called for similar programmes to continue.

Daksh Foundation’s core team members present included Brigadier N. N. Mathur, Brigadier Mukesh Chandra, Colonel Adarsh Caplash, Wing Commander H. C. Mann, Major Rajesh Garg, Dr. Sarita Sachdeva, Dr. Jyoti, Dr. Charu Rajpal, Dr. Vijender Singh Deswal, Dr. Ajay Garg, Prof. Raj Kumar Verma, H. S. Malik, Arun Gupta, Shri Surender Singh and Shri Prayas Dalal, along with other members.

The Daksh Foundation team expressed special thanks to the entire Amrita Hospital team for recognising the importance of this social initiative and the timely need to focus on the welfare of older persons, and for supporting the programme and its successful organisation.

At the conclusion, Prayas Dalal conveyed Daksh Foundation’s gratitude to the guests, Amrita Hospital, schools, students, parents, senior citizens, volunteers and everyone who contributed to the programme.