By Y.S. RANA ,Sujanpur Tira (HP)-Nov 28— Usually annual function celebrations are the same but the Sarv Kalyankari Society, a registered NGO has celebrated its annual day function in an unique way. The event may not figure in the Guiness Book of World Records, but it has created a history of its own, when the Sarv Kalayankari Society, an NGO has honoured 2360 serving army and para-military personnel of the area consisting 55 panchayats here today on its annual day function.
Besides, five Himachalis who excelled in their respective fields and brought laurels to the State were also awarded with Himachal Rattan; Himachal Gaurav; Himachal Khel and Sangeet Awards by the Sarv Kalyankari Society on its annual day celebration here today.
Prof Raj Bahadur, director-principal, GMCH-32, Chandigarh was awarded Himachal Rattan for his outstanding contribution in Ortho. Renowned spinal cord injury specialist, has conducted more than 6000 spinal cord operations. Dr T.S. Mahant, Executive Director, Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, Fortis, Mohali was given Himachal Gaurav for his outstanding track record of having performed over 27,000 open heart surgeries, highest in the country.
Mr Nand Lal, Principal AG, Delhi is another recipient Himachal Gaurav award was also known for his role in exposing fodder scam in Bihar. Thakur Vikar who won silver medals in weight lifting (junior category) in Asian Games and Common Wealth Games was given Himachal Khel award and little champ of Sa Ra Gama fame runner-up Master Nitin was honoured with Himachal Sangeet award.
While speaking on the occasion, chief guest, Mr Nand Lal who also runs a charitable trust has appreciated the efforts of the society and assured all support to its social activities.
Mr Sukhvinder Rakkra, a renowned businessman from Punjab while addressing the huge gathering has announced free treatment to BPL families of Himachal Pradesh in his hospital at Jalandhar. He has also announced to give Rs one lakh to the society.
Before the award-giving ceremony, Rajinder Rana, Chairman of the society, underscored the phenomenal contributions made by Himachalis in different walks of life. He spoke in details of successes achieved by the society during its two decades existence.
Hamirpur-based Sarv Kalyankari Society was set up by son-of-the-soil Rajinder Rana, two decades ago with only five members to give his passion an outlet. Once nascent organization is now a formidable 3,500 member-strong force and is reckoned as a leading social organization in north India.
Buoyed up by success of its efforts on the education front, the society decided to widen the ambit of its activities to include healthcare, sports and a number of social activities in the area.