Haryana Energy, Transport and Labour Minister Sh. Anil Vij said that serving humanity is the truest form of service. He emphasized that social service should be the collective goal of every citizen and expressed his desire that Ambala Cantonment should emerge as the number one city in social service.
He remarked that nothing in this world comes free and that every individual has a responsibility to give back to society and nature.Sh. Vij was addressing a blood donation camp organized by the Aggarwal Fellowship Club at Aggarwal Dharamshala, Ambala Cantonment, where he attended as the Chief Guest.
Vij Announces ₹10 Lakh Grant for Aggarwal Fellowship Club
Commending the efforts of the Aggarwal Fellowship Club, Sh. Vij described it as a renowned social service organization that has consistently undertaken welfare initiatives, including organizing voluntary blood donation camps. He said such humanitarian activities inspire society at large and noted that the club members themselves lead by example by donating blood voluntarily. As a mark of appreciation and encouragement, Sh. Vij announced a grant of ₹10 lakh from his discretionary fund for the organization.
"Nothing in This World Comes Free"- Vij
The Energy Minister observed that in today's fast-paced world, people have increasingly become self-centered and stressed the need to inspire others to serve society. He said service can be rendered in countless ways and is an essential part of life.
"We breathe the air provided by nature and receive light and energy from the sun. Our very existence depends on these gifts. Yet the law of nature is that nothing comes free. If we take something from society and nature, we must also give something back. Otherwise, we continue to accumulate a debt towards society and the environment. Social service organizations play a vital role in helping us repay that debt," he said.
"If We Live Only for Ourselves, What Is the Meaning of Life?"
Shri Vij quoted the famous line: "If we live only for ourselves, what is the meaning of life? True living is living for others." He said those who only take from society without giving back often fail to find lasting happiness. Illustrating his point with a simple anecdote, he narrated the story of a traveller who asked a river why its water was so sweet.
The river replied that it keeps flowing and giving to others. The traveller then asked the sea why its water was salty. The sea answered that while it continuously receives water, it gives nothing back; therefore, its water remains salty. Sh. Vij said the story teaches that a spirit of giving fills life with sweetness and contentment, whereas selfishness leads to bitterness.
Greater Environmental Awareness Is the Need of the Hour
The Minister stressed that environmental conservation is one of the most important forms of public service. He expressed concern over the increasing use of plastic, saying it has become one of the biggest threats to the environment. Recalling earlier times, he said people once carried cloth bags to markets, whereas today almost every item is packaged in plastic, much of which remains in the environment for decades without decomposing.
He pointed out that plastic waste blocks drains, disrupts sanitation systems and contributes significantly to environmental degradation. Appealing to the public, Sh. Vij urged citizens not to throw plastic waste into drains and called upon social organizations to launch awareness campaigns on responsible waste management and environmental protection.
Appeal to Citizens: Plant More Trees
Sh. Vij also urged people to actively participate in tree plantation drives. He said trees are the primary source of oxygen and provide the clean air essential for human survival. "Our party has undertaken plantation drives at several places, and I appeal to every citizen to plant trees wherever vacant land is available," he said. He added that villages, agricultural fields and forests continue to provide fresh air and a healthier environment, reminding people of the importance of preserving nature.
Alternative Energy Is the Future
Highlighting the importance of renewable energy, Sh. Vij said there are countless avenues for social service, including encouraging education among children and families living in economically weaker sections. He noted that India has made remarkable progress in science and technology, mentioning that an Indian private company recently launched its own rocket and that the country's first hydrogen-powered train has also commenced operations. He cautioned that conventional energy resources such as oil, natural gas and coal are gradually depleting and stressed the need to adopt renewable and sustainable energy sources without delay. "The Sun is the ultimate source of energy in various forms, and governments are implementing several schemes to promote solar energy. We must collectively embrace clean and renewable energy for a sustainable future," he said.
On the occasion, Sh. Anil Vij honoured the voluntary blood donors by presenting them with badges and mementoes in recognition of their noble contribution.Among those present were Aggarwal Fellowship Club office-bearers Anirudh Jindal, Nirav Jain, Dinesh Aggarwal, Sanjeev Jindal, Amit Aggarwal, Rishi Gupta, Naveen Mittal, Ashish Raj Gupta, Jitendra Singhal and Mahesh Aggarwal, along with BJP leaders Ravi Budhiraja, Harsh Bindra, Anuj Yadav, Anil Bahl, Abhishek Dhiman, and several other dignitaries.