Parimal Suklabaidya iugurates Swami Pravand Nilayam
From Our Correspondent
Silchar, Feb 19: Parimal Suklabaidya, Minister of PWD, Excise and Fisheries, iugurated Swami Pravand Nilayam, a home for the old and destitute, under the aegis of Bharat Sevashram Sangha (BSS) at Chandmari Road, Tarapur, of this town at 10.30am today. At present, there are 54 rooms, each 16 feet by 16 feet, with all basic amenities. Rs.2 crores have been spent in building the Nilayam. 18 persons have been registered so far. Nita Bhattacharjee of Guwahati and Moti rayan Choudhury of Tripura are amongst the first few inmates to enroll their mes. Provisions for free accommodation and eye camps are also in the pipeline.
Speaking as the chief-guest on the occasion, Parimal Suklabaidya said, “There is nothing to give in this heavenly and divine presence of the Swamijis. I am feeling blessed to be amongst them. The divine ambience has moved me. Our Government will always support such noble initiatives. It has been stated in the budget that those who leave their parents, will be punished, as some percentage of their income will be given to their respective parents.” Parimal Suklabaidya also said that there are more works left undone and assured that the state will cooperate with BSS in every aspect. “The road towards the Nilayam is deplorable and needs urgent attention. I assure you that it will be soon repaired and rehabilitated,” he added.
Dilip Kumar Paul, Deputy Speaker, Assam Assembly, said that though laws are being for the protection and security of aged persons, but law solely cannot awaken an individual’s conscience. “Why should law enforce an individual to look after his or her ailing and old parents? Inhumane treatment of aged persons reflect a society’s downfall. Law cannot teach moral values. People leaving their parents at ripe age should be boycotted socially also”, he added. It should be mentioned here that BSS has decided to confer ‘Mav Rat’ award to Dr Kumar Kanti Das for his outstanding service towards the society. Atin Das, senior jourlist and poet, said that life is a collection of bittersweet memories. He said, “BSS’ initiative will not only serve a few aged persons but will lead to service for the whole humankind. Earning money should not be the sole purpose of our life. One should aspire to earn love and respect because no one will take anything from this mortal world.”
Kabindra Purkayastha, former Union Minister, said, “I fail to comprehend why there is so much division of class among human beings. Human beings are God’s greatest creation. People differ not only according to their looks, but also according to their deeds. In his welcome address, I B Ubhadia, general mager, Indian Tea Association, who also presided over the ceremony, said that the foundation stone of the Nilayam was laid in the month of October 2012. “We should take care of our children, women and ailing and old parents. But, should their caring be an obstacle in the path of an individual’s overall growth and development? Sometimes, people have to go abroad or settle in other states for jobs”, said I B Ubhadia.
The iuguration ceremony began with lighting of the auspicious lamp by the chief-guest. It was followed by the rendition of beautiful songs by the teachers and students of Pravand Vidya Mandir. Among others who graced the occasion included, Swami Tarandaji Maharaj, Swami Sadhandaji Maharaj, Swami Mrinmayandaji Maharaj, B C th, Additiol Deputy Commissioner, Cachar, Amarth Khandelwal, founder president, Lions Club, Silchar, Dr Kumar Kanti Das, eminent surgeon, Dr Sisir Biswas, Babul Hore, president, District Sports Association, Sanjay Kumar Bhuwalka, trustee, Sitaram Bhuwalka Charity Trust, Krish Kumar Bajoria, maging director, Vishnu Tea and Industries Linited, Shyam Tolasaria, general mager, Cheviot Agro Industries Private Limited and Ashokbhai Patel.