Founder’s Day celebrated at Raphael

Tribune News Service

Dehradun, April 8

Raphael Ryder Cheshire International Centre, Dehradun, celebrated its 59th Founder’s Day on Wednesday. Raphael’s mission is to provide “Relief to the Suffering”. It provides, care and dignified living to cured leprosy patients, education and training of children of leprosy parentage and intellectually disabled and treatment of TB patients. Mohini Daljeet Singh, chief executive, Max India Foundation, was the chief guest, while Lt Gen Daljeet Singh (retd) was the guest of honour. 

The cultural programme gave the audience glimpses of Uttarakhand. Students and youth with special needs, teacher trainees’, volunteers and residents from Raphael participated in the programme. Girls from Himjyoti School and Doon Girls School also took part like previous years. The starting with an invocation of Lord Shiva, the audience was treated to Garhwali, Kumaon and Punjabi dances, a yoga demonstration by Himjyoti  School girls gave a spiritual touch to the evening and Doon girls gave a wonderful song about famous personalities of Uttarakhand.

Air Marshal BD Jayal (retd), chairman, Raphael governing council, in his welcome address paid homage to Founders’ Group captain Lord Leonard Cheshire and Lady Sue Ryder for their spirit of compassion and service. He also recollected the immense contributions of Lt Gen Ranbir Bakshi (retd) and all the former chairmen, former council members and many others, for nurturing Raphael through decades. He thanked all Raphael supporters in India and abroad, Raphael’s corporate donors and Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment Govt of India, the state government and the civil administration for their immense support over the years. He particularly thanked Max India Foundation, ONGC and The Hans Foundation for their support to Raphael. 

Mohini lauded the efforts of Raphael in working for the disabled and the underprivileged. Commending the work done by Raphael, she urged other individuals and the organisations to come forward and do their bit to help the less privileged. She also conveyed her deep appreciation for the manner in which Raphael has strived to fulfil its goals. Daljeet Singh distributed awards to the deserving special children and commendation certificate and award to five employees for 25 years of distinguished services. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by CEO Brig Arun Bhatnagar (retd).