The popular Chief Minister, deeply connected with the people and cherished in their hearts, paid a heartfelt tribute on the death anniversary of Punjab Kesari editor Ashwini Ji. On this occasion, she stood alongside the elderly, sharing in their joys and sorrows, and personally distributed essential items to them. She also took time to inform senior citizens about various government schemes and welfare programs meant for their support. Delighted by her presence, many elderly individuals blessed her wholeheartedly, and Rekha Gupta warmly embraced several of them.
Recalling Ashwini Ji, Rekha Gupta spoke emotionally about how he had guided her like an elder brother from her college days until she became a councillor. She also highlighted his humane nature, noting that he treated his employees like members of his own family. “Even today, I see the same faces here that I used to see during my college days—Harish Chopra, Parvinder Sharda, Upendra, and Bhushan Jain,” she said. “When I came to get my college news published, these were the same people working here.” Punjab Kesari, she emphasized, never abandons those it embraces. It was truly heartening to hear such words from a Chief Minister, especially at a time when many forget their roots after attaining power. Her humility, values, and conduct reflected that she remains the same leader devoted to public service. The blessings she received from the elderly will undoubtedly illuminate her path ahead.
After the late Sheila Dikshit and the late Sushma Swaraj, Rekha Gupta has emerged as the third Chief Minister to deeply touch the hearts of the youth, women, and senior citizens alike. Ashwini Ji was a noble soul, always ready to help anyone in need. Honoring him on his death anniversary by serving as many needy people as possible is a tribute that would surely bring him peace in heaven. Such noble initiatives require no formal invitations—only information. Those who wish to serve come forward voluntarily, offering their time and hands in service. The smiles on the faces of the needy elderly bring immeasurable satisfaction to everyone involved.
In old age, people need immense support. Health declines, financial difficulties increase, and, sadly, even family members sometimes abandon them. Many elderly individuals have no one to care for them. Some have families, yet lack proper food, clothing, or medical care. In painful irony, children who were raised with great sacrifice often say that inflation prevents them from supporting their parents and seek advice on old-age homes. Parents who spent their entire lives nurturing their children are left without food, medicine, or shelter.
To support such individuals, monthly financial assistance is provided through public donations (now disbursed quarterly since the COVID-19 pandemic). Additionally, well-off individuals “adopt” elderly persons—not by taking them home, but by covering their food and medical expenses so they may continue living with dignity alongside their families. Adoption amounts range from ₹1,000 to ₹5,000 per month per person. Some donors support one elderly individual, while others support dozens or even hundreds, according to their capacity. Thus, drop by drop, the vessel fills. Those who come forward to help receive countless blessings.
Families such as the Talwar family, where even the third generation contributes alongside their grandfather, exemplify this spirit of service. Many others have also stepped forward generously. On this occasion, heartfelt gratitude is extended to all contributors, including Ghritika Harjai of Panipat, traders from the Azadpur vegetable market, Rubina Saifi, Shashi Mahajan and Kuldeep Singh Bisht, Randeep Singh Chandhok, Rajkumar Bhatia of Roti Bank, Ajay and Anil Chaudhary, Ashok Bhatia, Dr. Satish Chandra, Navita Jayarath and Ram Monga from Ludhiana, Goldie M, Pal Singh, Chanda Agarwal of Bikaner Sweets (Rajouri Garden), Nirmal Singhla of Mario Biscuits, Rajiv Kashyap, Mamta and Manoj Arora, Vinita and S. K. Gupta, Meena Bansal, Usha Gupta, Pushpa Gupta, Karuna Goyal, Usha Goyal, Anil Bhai Churiwala, Beenu Chauhan, Rekha Grover, Chandra Kumar Talwar, and the Bajaj, Ghai, and Arora families. The family expresses its sincere gratitude to all of them.
The happiness and contentment on the faces of the elderly—enjoying their favorite meals and leaving with bags full of blankets, sweaters, shawls, hot water bottles, rations, walking sticks, and pain-relief oils in the biting cold—were deeply moving. There could be no truer tribute. When Ashwini Ji was alive, he himself distributed these items with love. This time, his spirit lived on through his three sons, three daughters-in-law, and two grandsons, who served in his place. The most emotional moment was when his grandsons, Aryaveer and Aryan, personally fed the elderly throughout the event, while Ashwini Ji’s niece traveled all the way from Panipat to serve.
It is hoped that every family, especially those with means, will come forward to serve the elderly and instill these values in their children. Colleagues and branch heads played a crucial role in making the program successful. On the occasion of Service and Dedication Day, eye check-ups and blood pressure screenings were conducted for Blue Card holders. Teams from Tara Institute and Dr. Ashok Jhingan made a significant contribution. Hundreds received free medicines and spectacles, and nine elderly individuals suffering from cataracts were selected for free surgery.
Indeed, service is the highest duty.
