Hindustan Times ST (Mumbai) - HT Navi Mumbai Live
It’s the season to light up lives of less privileged
KHARGHAR: This Diwali was indeed a festival of hope for widows in Kharghar as the gram panchayat distributed Rs10,000 as Diwali gift to those widows facing tough times.
The distribution took place earlier this week at a function held at the community centre in Kopra village.
Around 303 women in Kharghar will benefit from the decision and the amount is being disbursed through the women and child welfare fund scheme.
Speaking at the function, the chief guest, Peasants and Workers Party district secretary Balaram Patil said, “This decision by Kharghar gram panchayat will make a huge difference to the lives of these women and will set an example for others to follow.”
“After the shock of husband’s death, women are not prepared for the world. They also find it difficult to cater to the family’s needs, particularly during festivals,” said Kharghar panchayat samiti sarpanch Anjani Thakur.
“We are hoping that this amount will take care of the basic needs of the families of the widow during this festival period at least,” said Thakur.
“This has come as a windfall for us. It is a struggle for us to take care of the family on our own. We are thankful to the panchayat,” said a recipient of the grant, on conditions of anonymity.
In another instance, city police stations wear a clean and decorated look this Diwali as students of SIES College of arts, science and commerce in Nerul cleaned the stations on Wednesday evening on the occasion of Laxmi pujan.
The students cleaned and decorated the premises with rangoli. They also lighted diyas at the CBD Belapur, Vashi and Nerul police stations.
The initiative was a preevent for the two-day inter-collegiate cultural festival of the college to be held on January 29 and 30 next year.
“As part of our cultural festival, we realise our social responsibilities and deliver upon them,” said Purti Pradhan, who handles public relation of the festival.
“Even as we celebrate Diwali with our families and loved ones, the police officers are out there protecting us,” said Pradhan. “Our initiative is a gesture of gratitude to those who protect us.”