A 38-year-old resident of Jabalpur has received a rare invitation from Rashtrapati Bhavan after being selected among 10 beneficiaries nationwide to be honoured by President Droupadi Murmu on Independence Day for his disciplined contribution to the Atal Pension Yojana (APY).

Amit Kumar, a resident of Bapu Nagar in Ranjhi, will attend the Independence Day programme in New Delhi on August 15, where he will be felicitated by the President. He has also been invited to join the President for a special luncheon following the ceremony.

Selected from Across the Country

Amit's selection comes under the Ministry of Labour and Employment's Atal Pension Yojana, a government-backed social security scheme that encourages long-term retirement savings through regular monthly contributions.

According to officials, he is among only 10 individuals chosen from across India for consistently depositing his monthly premium without any default since enrolling in the scheme in 2018.

Under the pension scheme, Amit contributes ₹130 every month and will receive a monthly pension of ₹3,000 after attaining the age of 60.

Rashtrapati Bhavan Invitation Delivered

The official invitation reached Amit's residence on Friday through the Department of Posts.

Officials from the Khamaria Post Office first contacted him to verify his address before senior postal officers and a postman personally delivered the invitation from Rashtrapati Bhavan.

The invitation package also includes air travel to and from New Delhi, accommodation, entry passes to Rashtrapati Bhavan, and a commemorative gift provided by the Government of India.

'It Feels Like a Dream'

Reacting to the honour, Amit said he initially found it difficult to believe that he had been selected.

"I belong to a middle-class family. I never imagined I would get an opportunity to meet the President of India and be honoured by her. Being selected from among millions of beneficiaries is a matter of great pride and fortune," he said.

He also expressed gratitude to the Government of India and the Labour Department for recognising his commitment to the pension scheme.

Celebration in Family and Neighbourhood

News of Amit's selection quickly spread through his neighbourhood, with family members, relatives and local residents congratulating him on the achievement.

Residents described the recognition as a proud moment not only for Amit but also for Jabalpur, saying his selection highlights the importance of financial discipline and long-term social security planning through government welfare schemes.