Seva Parmo Dharma : Inspiring Journey of Social Service
An inspiring story of Narinder Kumar Bassi (Khyaal Community Member)
”My name is Narinder Kumar Bassi and I am 73 years old hailing from Bhatinda, Punjab. My journey led me to graduate with a degree in social work and eventually I earned a doctorate in social work. This degree was awarded to me in August 2023. My professional career began on September 14, 1970 in a clerical position with Guru Nanak Dev Thermal Plant under Punjab State Electricity Board. I worked in this field until I retired on December 31, 2009. Alongside, I also worked as a Platoon Commander and later on promoted as Company Commander by Punjab Home Guards & Civil Defence, Bathinda. This was a part-time position and my role was to support Civil Defence Warden Service activities, especially during the 1971 Indo-Pak war. We organized blackout drills, raised awareness about war preparedness, and spread messages to prevent the spread of rumours. I was actively involved in ensuring the safety and well-being of people during the conflict. However, my life’s work did not stop at retirement.
From a young age, I was drawn to helping others. Simple acts like giving books to a needy child or offering food to the poor came naturally to me. As I grew older, this instinct to serve grew stronger. I became deeply involved in various social activities, including distributing food and medicine to those in need and serving water at the Bhatinda Railway Station in association with the Goodwill Society so that travellers had access to cold water in the summer. I am still member of the Goodwill Society, Bhatinda. I did all the social work after my working hours in the evening. During the Uttarakhand floods, I played a significant role in organizing relief work alongwith Civil Defence Warden Team. We collected and delivered essential items like food, clothes and medicines to the affected people. I volunteered for the Do Boond Zindagi Ki (Pulse Polio) program, which focused on giving polio vaccination drops to children (Age 0 to 5).
When I visited remote villages and locations across Bathinda and Mansa Districts, I realized that there is a dire need to educate people about AIDS. This led me to initiate an awareness programme in 1999 to simplify the understanding of AIDS. Since then, I have been conducting educational sessions spreading information on how to prevent the disease. My program comprises of a simple interactive discussion using the blackboard. I am regularly invited by various universities, corporate offices, banks, Government organisations and groups for the session.
My visit to Shipkila on the China border is particularly memorable. During a tour in a remote Village of Leh & Ladakh, I delivered my talk in Hindi language. ITBP squad understood very well but local village residents did not understand as they only knew Ladhaki language. A local student volunteered to translate my talk for the villagers, which made the whole interaction even more rewarding. It has been 25 years since I am tirelessly working on the mission to spread awareness about HIV/AIDS.
Over the years, I have received numerous recognitions for my social work. In 2006, UNAIDS India awarded me the prestigious UNAIDS Civil Society Award, recognizing my tireless efforts in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Again UNAIDS honoured me with World AIDS Day awards in 2007 and 2008. The Punjab Government also honoured me with the State Award for my contributions to social work. Two time awardee by Six Sigma Healthcare Award. In 2021 my name was included in World Book of Records (UK) keeping in view my selfless services.
Even today, I remain actively involved in various programs, traveling to spread awareness about health, hygiene, and disaster preparedness. I am deeply committed to my mission of advocating the younger generation. My work is not limited to AIDS education, but I also want to raise awareness about our environment. I believe that we need to move towards more sustainable practices to protect our planet, such as using cloth bags instead of plastic bags. I also often participate in plantation drives. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I have done a lot of work, especially in food distribution through Langars with our Civil Defence Wardens Team. I am also a volunteer manager of a charitable skill centre in Bathinda that focuses on training girls in tailoring, dressmaking, beautician, mehndi and basic computer training.
My daily routine begins at 5 AM. I wake up and express gratitude for giving me a new day. I believe in “Seva Parmo Dharma” and ask God to give me an opportunity to help someone every single day. Working towards the benefit of society gives me great satisfaction and peace. I am grateful for a family who supports me in this work.
Other than social work, I have a zest for writing. I usually write about current social situations. Over the years, this has developed into a routine of writing a poem every day and sending it to my friends and family. I have written 827 poems till date. At 73, I hope to reach as many people as possible and make a difference in their lives.
One piece of advice to my fellow seniors is: Reducing our desires and focusing on service to others is the greatest path to success and fulfilment.” - Narinder Kumar Bassi (Khyaal Community Member)