Jammu, March 21 – Governor, N. N. Vohra, highlighted the role of philanthropist, social and welfare organisations in socio-economic and educational uplift of the under-privileged sections of the society, while addressing the 12th Annual Scholarship distribution function of Harbans Bhalla Educational Trust at Talab Tillo, here today.
The Governor said that philanthropic Trusts and other social organisations can contribute significantly in providing necessary support for development and well-being of disadvantaged children, orphans, widows and the destitute. He said that their effort and helping hand can make the real difference in the lives of the under-privileged sections of the society. He called upon the affluent sections of the society to come forward and help the needy and said that such a gesture can transform the future of many bright children who would otherwise remain illiterate.
Referring to the Harbans Bhalla Educational Trust, the Governor said that by providing scholarships to the students on merit-cum-means basis, as well as to the physically challenged and orphans, is a laudable effort. He said that out of the total beneficiaries of scholarships provided by the Trust, nearly 88 per cent students were from rural areas, 82 percent of them being the girls, about 7 percent orphans and physically challenged and rest were selected on “merit-cum-means” basis from the poorer sections of the society, and all these are vibrant parameters for granting scholarships.
The Governor said that the Trust is making a noble and profitable contribution to the society by reaching out to the needy students in the remote areas and helping them to pursue their education. He said that the education of girl child is a pre-requisite for women empowerment and by providing scholarships to a good number of girls the Trust is doing truly commendable work.
The Governor interacted with some of the students and impressed upon them to work hard, take full benefit of the support being provided to them by the Trust and achieve excellence in their education, to carve out a bright future.
The Governor distributed scholarships amounting to over Rs. 2.50 lakhs to 210 students of various educational institutions of Jammu and adjoining districts studying from 2nd Primary to post-Graduate classes.
The Governor also gave away certificates to the student-Counselors who provide counseling to the children selected by the Trust for providing them scholarships.
Earlier, in his welcome address, the Managing Trustee, Harbans Bhalla Educational Trust, Kunil Bhalla, dwelling on the activities of the Trust and its future plan of action said that the Trust, since its inception in 1997, has so far provided 1430 scholarships worth Rs. 25 lakhs. He said that in addition to providing monetary assistance to the students of the poorer strata of the society, the Trust also organizes free medical camps and conducts home visits to the houses of children to monitor their progress in studies. He said that a summer camp is also being organized for the students by the Trust.
The programme started with lighting the traditional lamp by the Governor, who was the Chief Guest on the occasion, which was followed by Saraswati Vandana by the students.
Two students, one an Architect and another who is pursuing post-graduation in English, who have been helped by the Trust in their education by providing them scholarships, shared their experiences and thanked the Trust for supporting their education.
Ms. Kalandi Bhalla presented a Vote of Thanks.Prominent citizens, social activists, teachers of various educational institutions, students and their parents were present on the occasion.
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