Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, July 9: Home for the Aged and Infirm, Ambphalla (Jammu) held a solemn and graceful ceremony on Tuesday to mark the 125th birth anniversary of its visionary founder, late Ram Nath Prabhakar — a pioneer in elder welfare and a symbol of selfless service.
The day began with a Hawan ceremony from 9 AM to 10 AM, invoking peace and blessings for the founder and the inmates. This was followed by a tribute programme attended by several dignitaries, social workers, and well-wishers. Member of Parliament Jugal Kishore Sharma was the chief guest on the occasion, while Jammu East MLA Yudhvir Sethi joined him in paying rich tribute to Prabhakar’s enduring legacy.
The event commenced with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp, followed by a welcome address by Pankaj Gupta, member of the Home’s managing committee. A highlight of the event was an emotionally stirring skit titled “We Are Not Waste Products”, performed by interns from Padma Shri Padma Sachdeva College of Education, Dev Bhoomi Uttarakhand University, and Christ College Pune. The skit resonated deeply with the audience, emphasizing the value, dignity and care the elderly deserve.
President of Vichar Kranti Manch International, Shreyansh Kumar Jain, recited a touching poem on the theme “Old Age is a Boon, Not a Curse,” while Jyoti Bala, granddaughter of late R N Prabhakar, fondly recalled his simplicity, humility, and tireless devotion to serving the elderly.
Lt Gen (Retd) Rakesh Sharma, president of the Ex-Servicemen League, underscored the responsibility of society in honoring and supporting its senior citizens. Nirmala Chattoo, president of Malin NGO, extended blessings to the inmates and inspired them to embrace life with renewed hope.
Prem Gupta, patron of the Home, presented a memento to the chief guest. I D Soni, president of the Home, gave an overview of the institution’s ongoing initiatives and urged the public to connect with the residents through regular visits and voluntary support.
Prominent attendees included Dr Sunita Kapoor, first woman Major General from J&K, Vijay Bhagotra, H S Manhas, Vijay Gupta, and R C Vaid.
In his concluding remarks, MP Jugal Kishore said while an ideal society would render old age homes unnecessary, until then, such institutions must be empowered to offer dignity and comfort. A community lunch followed. Anchors Bhoomi Sharma and Khushi Sharma conducted the event and Sat Paul Sharma proposed the vote of thanks.
A free medical camp was also held by Dr Parveen Yograj (MS), assisted by Dr R Thappa.
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