Rotary Helpage marks 30 years of service to specially-abled children

The Palampur Rotary Helpage Foundation celebrated its 30th anniversary on Wednesday with a programme held at the Pandit Anant Ram Rotary Seva Ashram.

Dr Rajeev Kumar Bhardwaj, Member of Parliament for Chamba–Kangra, was the chief guest at the event, while former Jaisinghpur MLA Ravi Dhiman was present as special guest.

For three decades, the Rotary Helpage Foundation has operated a Bal Ashram, also known as the Rotary Seva Ashram, for specially-abled children near Palampur. The Foundation has adopted children without family or social support, providing free education, food and lodging.

Dr Bhardwaj commended the Foundation’s efforts and praised the cultural performances staged by the Ashram’s children, describing them as heart-warming. He said the talent shown by specially-abled children motivates others to work with greater dedication. He also contributed Rs 21,000 for the welfare of the Bal Ashram children.

He said whenever the Foundation submits proposals for socially beneficial projects, he would make every effort to secure approval through CSR channels and MP funds.

The president of the foundation, Dr Ashwani Kumar, welcomed all dignitaries, including the chief guest and presented the annual report.

The secretary of the foundation, Dr Vivek Sharma, honoured members who have contributed to and supported the organisation.

Winners of district-level sports competitions for specially-abled children — held on November 10 at the Pandit Anant Ram Rotary Seva Ashram — were also felicitated and awarded in memory of the Foundation’s founder, Dr Shiv Kumar Sharma.

The overall trophy was won by the Chinmaya Organisation for Rural Development (CORD), Sidhbari. In the cultural group dance category, first place went to students of the Saliana Bal Ashram.

The senior vice-president, Er YP Nagpal, finance secretary Dr VC Awasthi and Raghav Sharma, general manager of the Palampur Rotary Eye Foundation Maranda, were also present.