‘Human service is the best religion,’ says Governor Kataria

Guwahati, 12 May, 2024: Government and society should jointly take responsibility for empowering the disabled physically, socially, economically and intellectually. Honorable Governor of Assam, Gulab Chand Kataria, said this on Sunday in a free camp organized for the services of the differently-abled. He was addressing the Narayana Artificial Limb Measurement Camp as the chief guest. Kataria commended Narayan Seva Sansthan for its longstanding commitment to this cause and congratulated its founder, Kailash Manav and President Prashant Agarwal, for their service in Assam.

He mentioned that serving humans is one of the best things a human can do. Together with the joint efforts of central and state governments, we can integrate differently-abled individuals into society. Narayan Seva Sansthan also working tirelessly for the upliftment of the differently-abled individuals. Kataria praised Narayan Seva Sansthan for its nationwide outreach and assured Raj Bhavan’s support for expanding its services in the Northeast.

The Governor extended his best wishes for the well-being of the differently-abled individuals and their families who attended the camp. The event, held at Aashi Apsara Hall, Paltan Bazaar, Guwahati, saw the participation of over 1000 disabled individuals and representatives from more than 30 local organizations. The camp was inaugurated with a ceremonial lamp lighting by Governor Gulab Chand Kataria, along with his wife Anita Kataria; Vinod Lohia of Purbottar Pradeshiya Marwari Sammelan, Mahaveer Prasad Jain of Digamber Panchayat Bhavan Trust, Umesh Kumar of Bihar Foundation, Ramesh Goenka of Marwari Hospital, Ratan Lal Sharma of Brahmin Sabha, Director of Narayan Seva Sansthan Vandana Agarwal, Bajrang Lal Surana of Shwetamber Jain Terapanth Sabha and Kailash Lohia of Guwahati Goushala.

Sansthan Director Vandana Agarwal provided an overview of the diverse range of free services offered by the Sansthan, including artificial limbs, corrective surgeries, daily meals for 5,000 people, Gurukul management, running the free Narayan Children Academy School for economically underprivileged children of 600 labourers, providing vocational training for computers, mobile repair, tailoring, and mehndi for hundreds of individuals with disabilities, and facilitating their mass weddings, as exemplary acts of humanitarian service. Agarwal took the opportunity to honor the guests in attendance on the stage.

During the inaugural program, the Governor distributed 11 wheelchairs while also inquiring about the experiences of individuals with disabilities who had benefited from artificial limbs.

Rajat Gaur, the Head of the Mahagangotri Department, shared insights into the sansthan’s 39 years of service and outlined its vision for the next five years. Notable support came from volunteer organizations like the Purvottar Pradesiya Marwari Sammelan, Purvottar Pradesiya Marwari Yuva Manch, Shri Guwahati Goushala, Agrawal Sabha, Maheshwari Sabha, Shwetambar Jain Terapanth Sabha, all their Mahila Mandal, Shri Digambar Jain, Rotary Club, Haryana Charitable Trust, Bihar Foundation, Brahmin Sabha, Shri Guru Singh Sabha.

Camp coordinator Achal Singh Bhati reported that over 500 differently-abled individuals attended the camp, where a 20-member team from the sansthan provided services. Measurements were taken for fitting Narayan artificial limbs for 205 people and callipers for 80. Additionally, over 130 patients were selected for free surgeries in Udaipur. Camp in-charge Hari Prasad Laddha mentioned that those selected for casting and measurements would receive limbs during a subsequent camp in Guwahati after about three months. Patients from states like Nagaland, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram etc. also attended the camp. All the patients were accommodated, and free food, tea, and snacks were provided by the Sansthan. A 40-member Sansthan team rendered services, and voluntary workers were acknowledged with certificates. The proceedings were overseen by Mahim Jain.