 Early Times Report
JAMMU, July 14: The Home for the Aged & Infirm (Vridh Ashram), Amphalla, Jammu, was privileged to welcome Shri Satish Sharma, Cabinet Minister, Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Transport, Youth Services & Sports, Information Technology, and Science & Technology, Government of Jammu & Kashmir, during his visit to the institution today. The visit reflected the Government's continued commitment towards the welfare, dignity, and empowerment of senior citizens while providing an opportunity for meaningful interaction with the elderly residents.
The Minister commenced his visit by paying floral tributes to the Founder of the Home, Late Ram Nath Prabhakar Ji, whose vision and humanitarian values laid the foundation of one of Jammu's oldest and most respected charitable institutions dedicated to the care of elderly persons.
A major highlight of the visit was the inauguration of the Home's newly established Emergency Wards, marking another significant milestone in strengthening healthcare facilities for the residents. The upgraded infrastructure is expected to further enhance emergency medical care and ensure timely treatment whenever required.
The Minister was thereafter briefed through a comprehensive PowerPoint presentation on the institution's journey, major achievements, welfare initiatives, healthcare services, infrastructure development, outreach programmes, recognitions, and future expansion plans. A documentary showcasing the facilities and day-to-day care being provided to the inmates was also screened, which received high appreciation from the Minister.
One of the most touching moments of the visit was the Minister's heartfelt interaction with the elderly residents. In a moving gesture of humility and respect, he bowed before the elders, sought their blessings, and patiently listened to their life experiences and concerns. The residents shared that having left behind their homes and families, the Home had become their only permanent shelter. With no independent source of income, they requested the Minister to facilitate the issuance of a consolidated Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) Ration Card in the name of the Home for all eligible residents, enabling them to avail the benefits of various Government welfare schemes for senior citizens, including old-age pension and other social security entitlements. They also requested the installation of solar-powered street lights and a solar power system for the institution. The Minister gave a patient hearing and assured them that their genuine demands would receive due consideration.
Er. Pankaj Gupta, President of the Home, who was away in Srinagar on official engagements, spoke to the Minister over the telephone and conveyed his heartfelt gratitude for visiting the institution and for his encouraging support towards its future development.
The programme concluded with a Vote of Thanks proposed by Dr. Dinesh Gupta, Secretary, Home for the Aged & Infirm, who expressed sincere appreciation to the Minister for his gracious visit, the inauguration of the Emergency Wards, his warm interaction with the elderly residents, and his encouraging assurances regarding the institution's developmental requirements. He observed that such visits inspire confidence among the residents and reinforce society's collective responsibility towards the care and dignity of senior citizens.
The programme was graced by Vijay Gupta, Joint Secretary, along with the distinguished members of the Management Committee, namely Satpal Sharma, Rajinder Singh, Vijay Dhawan, Dr. Surinder Kumar, Dr. Roopali Slathia, and Sudha Gupta. |
