By Correspondent Joginder Singh Sandhu
JALANDHAR: In these generally self-centred and materialistic times when most people turn Nelson’s eye to underprivileged brethren, there are still those who care and share. Read on…
An industrialist-cum-hotelier has scripted a chapter in the realm of charity by donating a sizeable percentage of his income for the betterment of the have-nots.
Some years back, Dubai-based businessman S.P. Singh Oberoi – who hails from Punjab – founded the Sarbat Da Bhala Charitable Trust dedicated to socioeconomic transformation of India’s rural and remote areas – especially weaker groups – through development of rural people, groups and institutions.
In an interview to ‘Developing India Mirror’, the philanthropist averred, “Service to humanity is akin to worship of the Almighty. Guru Nanak taught that we should earn honestly and share the surplus with the needy. I earn in accordance with the Guru’s teachings and tread the path of sharing the deprived's sufferings.”
The Trust adopted hundreds of schools in Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir and Haryana. R.O. water purifier systems are being placed at these institutions. Thus far, 650 units have been installed. Financial assistance for higher education ranges from 25 to 100 %. Prisons in Punjab were also provided water purifier systems and dough-kneading machines besides books. Creche schools were opened for female inmates’ children. As many as 30,000 ocular surgeries were performed and 54 dialysis machines set up. Monthly pensions of Rs. 750-Rs. 1,200 are doled out to 4,400 widows. Sixty-two computer centres and 100 stitching centres were established with a view to employment generation.