Diwali celebrations: 5000 boxes of sweets sent to soldiers in border areas

diwali sweets

On 2 November, Punjab Governor and UT Administrator VP Singh Badnore flagged off two truckloads containing 5,000 boxes of sweets for jawans at the Punjab Raj Bhawan.

Badnore said, “It is a commendable gesture of Rotarians to remember Army jawans who guard our borders day and night so that we can live in peace.”

The consignment was airlifted by the IAF for further distribution to Army units at Siachen and Ladakh borders where our jawans stand guard in difficult conditions.

A society’s character is reflected in the manner it demonstrates gratitude and support to the brave men and women who protect the nation and who ensure people are free to pursue their dreams. We have a responsibility to show our gratitude to the brave men and women who have made many a sacrifice for the nation.

We decided to celebrate Diwali with them by saying, “You are not soldiers, but saviours; the guardians of this divine land. We thank you for everything you do – upholding our nation’s guiding values – liberty, fraternity and equality. In return we want to celebrate the Festival of Lights with you, when you are so far away from your home, your family and friends. Can we be your family this Diwali? Can we add sweetness to your life by sharing this box of sweets with you?”

‘Aap Hain, Toh Hum Hain’ was the greeting pasted on each box. Rotarians of Chandigarh, Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, UP and Uttrakhand contributed.

Initiated by PRIP RK Saboo and Usha Saboo two years back, Rotary District 3080, under the leadership of DG Praveen Goyal continued with the project of sending sweets for soldiers to celebrate Diwali with them. Project Chair PDG Kawal Bedi was instrumental in putting it all together.

The sweets cost Rs. 20,00,000.

Medical Mission to Uganda

A medical mission, consisting of 18 doctors of different specialties and 7 volunteers including Rotarians and spouses, is leaving for Uganda on 5 August 2018 and will be in Uganda till 15 August.

The doctors will operate upon a large number of patients and also hold OPDs for thousands. Rotarians Dr. SPS Grewal and Dr. Jagat Bhushan from our Club are part of the team of doctors. PRIP RK Saboo and R’Ann Usha Saboo are going as volunteers with the mission.

A brainchild of PRIP RK Saboo, it was exactly 20 years ago that the first medical mission went to Uganda and the country is being revisited on the occasion of 20th anniversary of the medical missions. The budget outlay of this project is US $97000. The mission is a project of Rotary District 3080, along with Districts 3131 and 3132.