Rs 1 lakh donated in support of Dabwali fire victims' kin

The horrific Dabwali fire tragedy of December 23, 1995, still sends shivers down the spine, remarked former Odisha Governor Prof Ganeshi Lal during an event organised by Haare Ka Sahara Charitable Trust. The event, held at Royal Haveli on Hisar Road, saw the donation of Rs 1 lakh to the Dabwali Fire Victim Memorial Trust to support families of the victims.

The programme began with a two-minute silence to honour those who lost their lives in the fire. Trust president Manish Singla, along with Ganeshi Lal, recalled the tragic day, describing it as a black mark in Sirsa’s history. “Hundreds of innocent lives, including children, women and men, were lost their lives in a matter of minutes. Even after more than two decades, the pain and memories of that day haunt the people of Dabwali,” said Ganeshi Lal.

The Haare Ka Sahara Charitable Trust, established in the memory of Manish Singla’s late mother, Sushila Devi, has been consistently working for community welfare. Speaking at the event, Singla said, “Whenever we extend a helping hand, we feel the blessings of my late mother. This donation is a small effort to provide support to the families who suffered unimaginable losses.”

The Dabwali fire tragedy, one of the worst disasters in Indian history, occurred during a school function in 1995, when a devastating fire engulfed the venue, claiming hundreds of lives. Many families in the area are still grappling with its aftermath.

Singla said, The Dabwali Fire Victim Memorial Trust, established to support affected families, continued to aid those in need. Accepting the cheque, the trust representatives expressed gratitude and emphasised the importance of collective efforts to keep the memories of the victims alive while providing relief to the survivors.

Singla concluded by urging people to contribute actively to humanitarian causes, saying, “Every act of kindness makes a difference.”