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.

Diwali celebrations with Saketri children

diwali

Under guidance of R’Ann Usha Saboo, Inner-wheel members and Rotarians celebrated Diwali with nearly 100 children of Saketri village. Competitions of rangoli making, poster making and Diya making were held and the winners were given gifts.

President of Inner-wheel, Ms Vanita Talwar and President A.P. Singh addressed the children and encouraged them to follow their dreams and work hard to achieve their goals, thereby becoming a strong support for their parents who are now facing such hardships in life for them.

Sweets were also distributed to all the children.