Kishori Lal
Una; Under the Amodini project of Himotkarsh Parishad, a free ration distribution programme was organised on Sunday at Bachat Bhawan in Una for deserving and hardworking widows. Former MLA O.P. Rattan attended the event as the chief guest, while retired Additional Secretary of the State School Education Board, Yashpal Thakur, presided over the function. Social worker Rajpal Rattan was present as a special guest.
The programme commenced with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp, followed by Vande Mataram presented by members of the Himotkarsh Mahila Manch.
Addressing the gathering, chief guest O.P. Rattan said that financially able individuals must come forward to help the needy, ensuring equal opportunities for every section of society to progress. He appreciated the Himotkarsh organisation for its long-standing contribution to social welfare and recalled the inspiring vision of its founder, late Kanwar Hari Singh. He emphasised the importance of higher and vocational education for women to become self-reliant and support both their families and society.
Senior member of Himotkarsh Parishad, Anupa Thakur, welcomed the guests and highlighted the organisation’s activities. She informed that the Amodini ration distribution programme has been running since 2013, with women being selected annually. So far, over 700 women have been supported with ration and other assistance amounting to more than ₹55 lakh through the cooperation of generous donors. This year, 68 women have been selected for the initiative.
She also shared information about other social welfare activities of the Parishad, including the Women Training Institute offering cutting, tailoring, fashion designing and hobby courses, an ambulance service in Una at affordable charges, scholarships and fee assistance for students, and medical help for needy patients.
Chief guest O.P. Rattan was honoured with a shawl and a traditional cap. The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Ravindra Sood and the national anthem. The stage was conducted by Parishad General Secretary Naresh Saini.
Scholarships and certificates distributed
The chief guest awarded scholarships and financial assistance to seven meritorious and needy students. These included: Tanu, a B.Pharm second semester student, receiving ₹37,500 towards her tuition fee; Shivani and Tamanna, BCA second semester students of Himotkarsh College for Girls, receiving ₹6,525 each as full semester fee; Aditi Rana, BBA second semester student of the same college, receiving ₹5,325; and Priyanka, a final-year nursing student from Himcaps College and resident of Upperla Sohrala, receiving ₹5,100. Widow Asha Devi of Ward 10, Una, was given ₹5,100 for her son’s medical treatment. Daljeet Kaur of Boul village was provided coaching fee support of ₹2,000 per month till March 2026 for competitive exams.
Ration bags worth ₹1,53,000 distributed
A total of 68 ration bags worth ₹1,53,000 were distributed among widows with the help of donors.
Those present
The programme was attended by Himotkarsh President Jatinder Kanwar, General Secretary Dr. Ravindra Sood, Yashpal Thakur, Naresh Saini, Jai Gopal Sharma, Anupa Thakur, Ashok Aeri, Sheshpal Singh, Vijay Sahni, Narendrajit Singh Rana, V.K. Lakhanpal, Chandrashekhar Sharma, R.N. Sharda, P.S. Jaswal, Ravindra Mehta, Inderjeet Singh, Gyan Singh, Somnath Kaushal, Rajesh Rattan, Rekha Jaswal, Sudesh Arora, Rama Kanwar, Ravindra Dogra, Ashok Kalia, Rajneesh Loomba, Dr. Jagdishwar Kanwar, Ajay Thakur, M.M. Garg, Muninder Arora, Sudhir Chaudhary, Mani Kumar, Nishant Kumar, Ashok Kumar, Ranjoo, Meena Thakur, Nisha and other office-bearers.