PHAGWARA: Furthering its commitment to community welfare, Rotary Club Phagwara Gems has taken a significant step in public service by inaugurating a state-of-the-art air-conditioned mortuary van, constructed at a cost of ₹16 lakhs. The initiative was spearheaded under the able leadership of Club President Rtn. Pawan Kumar Kalra and Project Director Rtn. Taranjit Singh Walia.
The inauguration ceremony was held at the premises of the local Blood Bank in Guru Hargobind Nagar. Chief Guest Deputy Commissioner Kapurthala Amit Kumar Panchal formally launched the vehicle by performing a traditional coconut-breaking ritual.
In his address, Panchal praised the Rotary Club’s continuous contributions to social welfare and extended his best wishes for the successful operation of the new service. He assured the Club of full cooperation from the administration whenever required.
The event also featured addresses by Project Director Rtn. Taranjit Singh Walia and former Rotary District Governor S.P. Sethi, who commended the Club’s ongoing service-driven initiatives. The ceremony commenced with religious prayers and a traditional ardaas.
Senior Rotarian I.P. Khurana efficiently conducted the proceedings from the stage, while Honorary Secretary Rakesh Sood expressed gratitude to all dignitaries and shared key information regarding the new service. Citizens can avail of the mortuary van service by contacting 99881 11154 or 99881 11159.
The event was graced by several eminent personalities including Municipal Commissioner and Additional Deputy Commissioner Dr Akshita Gupta, Co-Project Director Satish Jain, Mahinder Sethi, Ashok Gupta, Nikhil Gupta, Om Uppal, Dr. Chiman Arora, President-elect Rakesh Chawla, Dr. Jasjit Singh Virk, Abhishek Kalra, Ashish Kalra, Pankaj Gautam, Bobby Sachdeva, Dr. Narottam Kheti, Gaurav Sahdev, Sunil Cham, Chander Mohan Sharma, Hemant Suri, Harbhajan Singh, Surinder Chawla, T.D. Chawla, Anuj Jain, Harpreet Singh, Vinod Jalota, Lucky Chadda, Inner Wheel Club’s Satinder Sooch, Dr. Jasvinder Parmar, Meenu Garg, Sushma Sharma, and members of the Lala Kripa Ram Handa Charitable Trust — Gaurav Handa, Vivek Handa, Sameer Handa — along with Harjinder Gogna, Malkiat Singh, Pankaj Chawla, Raghbautra, and Gurmeet Palahi, among others.
The addition of this air-conditioned mortuary van marks a milestone in ensuring dignified and accessible last-journey services for the community. Rotary Club Phagwara James continues to reinforce its legacy of service above self.