Minister for Health & Medical Education, Bali Bhagat has lauded the philanthropic services and role of Harbans Bhalla Educational Trust (HBET) for carrying out various initiatives for the development of mankind and up-gradation of poor stratum of the society.Speaking at the Annual Scholarship Distribution Function which was organized by the HBET here today, the Minister said that Trust is in the service of mankind, especially in the field of health and education for the past many decades and helping the poorest of the poor to grow in the society at par to others. He complimented the Trust for its endless endeavors and wished that it reaches out to many more deserving students for timely help in realizing their dreams in different career fields.He called upon the credible NGOs/Trusts and other similar bodies to take lead in social activities and help in bringing societal reforms, which was the need of the hour. He said the society is passing through great juncture of several evils like female feticide, drug menace, dowry, domestic violence and other related issues which are harming the society and it is imperative on the part of all stakeholders to work in unison to eradicate these. He also stressed the need for greater efforts to change the mindset of the younger generation and work for strengthening and preserving the rich values and culture of Indian civilization.
Speaking on the occasion, the Managing Trustee, HBET said that the Trust is in the service of poor students since past 21 years and providing scholarships to most deserving and meritorious students for carrying out their higher studies in different streams. He said the selection of such deserving students is being made by a team of Trust through a well-devised mechanism from across the Jammu division with special focus on rural and far-flung areas. He informed that till date the Trust has disbursed an amount of Rs. 1.32 crore among the students, most of them are girls.On the occasion, the Minister along with Kunil Bhalla distributed the scholarship cheques among the students drawn from different areas of Jammu division. They also honored the students who excelled in different activities.The students presented a colorful bonanza of cultural items that enthralled the audience.Earlier, the Minister also inaugurated a Blood Group Testing campaign being organized jointly by the BJYM and GMC at Purani Mandi chowk here. The objective of the campaign is to make a strong data base of the people with different blood groups which will be available in different government/private hospitals to facilitate the needy in the hours of emergency and disasters. This week-long campaign will be carried out in different parts of the State.MLA Rajesh Gupta and several functionaries of the BJYM including Suresh Ajay Magotra were present on the occasion.