STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: Sarvodaya International Trust Jammu and Kashmir Chapter(SITJK) in collaboration with Jammu Wine Traders Association and Jammu Bar and Restaurant Association observed Anti-Leprosy Day and Mahatma Gandhi’s Martyrdom here at Kusht Ashram, Bhagwati Nagar on Saturday.
Dr. M.K Bhandari, Secretary Health and Medical Education, J and
K Government was the
Chief Guest. The programme commenced with hoisting of the National Flag, garlanding the bust of Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi and National Anthem followed by observance of two minutes’ silence for paying homage to Mahatma Gandhi. SITJK Members including T. Angchok, Ravinder Singh, Dr. V. Bhutiyal, Major General S.K Sharma, Robin Gill, President Jammu Wine Traders Association Charanjeet Singh, B.S Jamwal and office bearers of the Bar and Restaurants Association, Jammu were present on the occasion.
Dr. Renu Nanda, Managing Trustee highlighted significance of the life and ideals of Mahatma Gandhi especially his contribution to eradicate leprosy and generating humane approach among people towards leprosy patients who require care and affection and integration with the mainstream society. She urged upon the Secretary Health and Medical Education Department to pay special attention towards inmates of Kusht Ashram for proper medical attention and regular monthly medical checkup besides providing them free medicines. She also emphasised upon the Civil Society to be sympathetic towards these patients.
She specially thanked the President Wine Traders Association and its office bearers and the President Bar and Restaurant Association, Jammu and its office bearers in associating with the SITJK, for the noble cause and observing Anti Leprosy Day and their humble contribution in distributing health and hygiene kits and refreshment among the patients.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Mandeep Bhandari expressed his gratitude to the SITJK for organising and observing the Martyrdom Day of Mahatma Gandhi as Anti Leprosy Day in the Kusht Ashram, Jammu.
He further highlighted the role of Mahatma Gandhi in Sarvodaya (Sabka Bhala), non-violence and cleanliness. He further highlighted and agreed in principle to provide regular health cover to all the patients and directed the Director Health Department Jammu, who was also present on the occasion, to provide health services and free supply of medicines to the needy patients as envisaged under Leprosy Control Programme in the State. Dr. Bhandari also distributed the hygiene kits, refreshment and fruits among the Ashram inmates and interacted with them and also enquired about their welfare.
Professor G.N. Bhat, Senior Vice Chairman, SITJK thanked Chief Guest and other invited guests including media persons and other citizens for participation in the programme. Professor Bhat, while extending vote of thanks also assured the support of SIT in future to the leprosy patients. He appreciated the Association of the Jammu Wine Traders Association and Bar and Restaurant Association, Jammu with the SITJK activities and for their humble contribution on the occasion for the noble cause and hoped that in future they will continue to support the activities of SITJK.
