Chandigarh, June 14: Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said the greatness of any society is not measured by its economic prosperity, but by how it treats its weak, helpless and underprivileged sections. A society that cares for its deprived and needy citizens is truly progressive and compassionate.
The Chief Minister was addressing the 346th Masik Vidhwa Rashan Evam Sahayata Vitran Samaroh held at Shree Gyan Sthal Mandir in Ludhiana, Punjab, on Sunday, as the Chief Guest. On the occasion, he also announced a grant of ₹11 lakh for the Gyan Sthal Mandir Sewa Society.
Paying tributes to martyr Lala Jagat Narayan, the Chief Minister said that he dedicated his entire life to patriotism, social harmony, and service to humanity. He made the supreme sacrifice for safeguarding the unity and integrity of the nation. He added that the legacy of service, dedication, and commitment to national interest exemplified by Lala Jagat Narayan is being carried forward today by the Gyan Sthal Mandir Sewa Society and the Lala Jagat Narayan Nishkam Sewa Samiti.
A Unique Service Mission Continuing for 346 Months
The Chief Minister said that the service initiative started in 1997 by late Jagdish Bajaj has now evolved into a large-scale public welfare movement. Providing assistance continuously for 346 months to widowed mothers and sisters in need is in itself a remarkable achievement. He also appreciated the dispatch of the 64th relief truck carrying aid for families affected by terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir.
He informed that the organization has distributed ration to more than 1.65 lakh needy widow families so far. Even during the challenging period of the COVID-19 pandemic, volunteers of the organization delivered assistance door-to-door to needy families. In addition, the society has provided tricycles to 385 persons with disabilities, distributed sewing machines to more than 1.15 lakh women, and imparted computer education to over 25,000 children, helping shape a brighter future for them.
The Chief Minister said that the organization’s efforts go beyond the distribution of assistance. It is continuously working to make women and youth self-reliant. Its initiatives promoting skill development and self-employment are becoming a catalyst for positive social transformation.
Haryana Government Committed to Women Empowerment
Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that the Haryana Government is implementing several welfare schemes for the social, economic, and educational empowerment of mothers, sisters and daughters. Widow women in the state are being provided a monthly pension of ₹3,200. Under the Deendayal Lado Lakshmi Yojana, eligible women receive financial assistance of ₹2,100 per month, while under the Har Ghar-Har Grihini Yojana, LPG cylinders are being made available at ₹500.
He further stated that women are being economically and socially empowered through various initiatives such as the Mukhyamantri Vivah Shagun Yojana, the Lakhpati Didi Campaign, strengthening of Self-Help Groups, and schemes related to women’s safety and education. Additionally, 81 new colleges have been established in the state, including 31 colleges exclusively for girls. The state government is also providing free education to girls up to the postgraduate level to enable them to become self-reliant through education.
The Chief Minister said that the true purpose of politics is not merely to attain power, but to uplift the person standing at the last rung of society and place national interest above all else. He remarked that the initiative of providing assistance to widowed mothers and sisters in Ludhiana is an inspiring effort towards realizing the vision of Antyodaya. Such social institutions are strengthening the spirit of national service, humanity, and public welfare while providing new direction to society.
On this occasion, Padma Shri Vijay Chopra, Chief Editor of Punjab Kesari, Jalandhar, Padma Shri Rajni Bector, office bearers of the Gyan Sthal Mandir Sewa Society, representatives of various social, religious, and voluntary organizations, distinguished citizens, and a large number of beneficiaries were present.