“Sukh Dukh Ke Sathi” Sanstha (SDKS), an association of some dedicated senior citizens of Dwarka devoted for social cause, celebrated its fourth birthday on 21st September 2014, in Sector-22, Dwarka (New Delhi), with full gusto. The Sanstha enjoys support of about 200 members. Most of the members were present in this splendid event, many of them with their families. The chief guest of the function was Air Marshal A. K. Singh, PVSM (Retd), conferred with many gallantry decorations. Shri Suresh Yadav, Deputy Commissioner, South Delhi Municipal Corporation was present as Guest of Honour. Among other distinguished guest were Mr. Mukesh Sinha, Socio-political activist of Dwarka, Mr. K.K. Bhalla, President, Chitrkoot Aptts, Sector-22, Mr. Sushil Kumar Gupta, President Dwarka Forum, Mr. Balbir Singh Yadav, General Secretary Senior Citizens Associations Dwarka & Secretary General of the Confederation of Senior Citizens Association of Delhi, Ms Cicely Kodian, President, Association of Neighborhood Ladies Get-Together, Mr. Shobhit Chauhan, President Ek Sangarsh, Mr. Diwan Singh of India Heritage First, Ms Parvesh Sehrawat, President Mahila Morcha, Matiyala and Dr. Ritesh Narula of the eye care centre ‘Centre for Sight’.
The celebration took off with a melodious Saraswati Vandana written and sung by Prem Bihari Mishra, Secretary SDKS. Theme of this prayer was the social service rendered by the Sanstha to human being. In an impressive ‘welcome address’, Vijay Shanker Singh, President of SDKS briefly explained history and motive of the Sanstha. Shashi Kant Kapoor, General Secretary SDKS narrated details of the activities and social work carried out by the Sanstha during the year in the areas of assistance to the NGOs working for the welfare of orphans & disgusted/ under-privileged people; health camps; efforts for hygiene, sanitation, greenery, safety, public transport & revival of water bodies, etc in Dwarka. Mr. Kapoor also gave account of the tasks in the pipe line for the area e.g. revival of Old Age Home in Sector-8, CGHS Dispensary, DTC BQS, Kendriy Bhandar, Road safety, facilities in public parks, re-carpeting of damaged service road, assistance to the school for poor people run by the NGO ‘PAHAL’, Blood donation camps, motivation for organ donation, personal assistance to the senior citizens staying alone, strengthen liaison with local police for safety measures and so on so forth. Ex-Capt S.S. Mann, Vice President SDKS informed about the importance and present status of revival of water bodies in Dwarka and explained other future plans of the Sanstha in co-ordination with the civic authorities e.g. Horticulture Department, DDA, CPWD, BSES seeking opinion and suggestions of the audience.
Dr. Narula of the Centre for Sight delivered an useful and informative talk with visual slide show about eye ailments, adverse effects of diabetes on the eyes and cure, followed by an interactive session. Questions put up by Mr. Mukesh Sinha and few others were satisfactorily replied by Dr Narula. Parminder Khetrpal gave an useful brief on preparation of green manure with kitchen-waste, locally in the residential areas. Dr. B.M. Khanna, a retired professor appealed dog lovers to avoid shit by their pets on main tracks/walking paths, meant for public. The audience was highly impressed with the activities of the Sanstha as well as the celebration.
Chief Guest Air Marshall A.K. Singh emphasized the importance of environment in his speech and gave excellent tips to maintain it, effectively. He also whole heartedly praised the performance of SDKS. He also took a round of the community hall and minutely watched the press clippings displayed by the Sanstha about the coverage of its activities by various news-papers. The Guest of Honour Mr. Suresh Yadav, who is an eminent Hindi poet too, appreciated services of the Sanstha to the mankind and its efforts to keep the Dwarka sub-city Green, Clean, Safe & Healthy. Mr. Yadav promised on this occasion that he will do his best for sanitation and hygiene in the area. He also recited his self-written poems on the subject matter.
It is an admirable tradition of this association to honour its eldest member on this occasion, turn by turn. Thus, Mr. M.R. Malik, an 81 years aged member of the Sanstha, was gracefully felicitated this year by D.C. Mathur, Jt. Secretary of the Sanstha under a huge applaud of the audience.
The function ended in a pleasant atmosphere with ‘Vote of Thanks’ by Col. P.C. Chaudhary (Retd), Joint Secretary SDKS, followed by an affectionate dinner. P.B. Mishra, Secretary SDKS, opined that the media persons are also rendering a great service to Dwarka in highlighting problems and achievements of the sub-city, which will go a long way in improvement of the living conditions in Dwarka. He also applauded the efforts of D.C. Mathur, Jt. Secretary & Treasurer of the Sanstha in making this event a great success.
