Jaipur, Aug 22 (IANS) Emphasising that nation-building is a collective endeavour, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla said on Saturday that citizens, voluntary organisations and social institutions have an equally important role in this national mission.
Speaking at the foundation-laying ceremony of the Maheshwari Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Birla said contribution to society and the nation need not always be measured in financial terms; it can also take the form of hard work, dedication, professional skills, knowledge and selfless service.
Referring to the unprecedented challenge posed by the pandemic, Birla recalled that India drew immense strength from its collective social consciousness and its age-old tradition of caring for one another.
He said that the spirit of collective responsibility, compassion and the timeless Indian ideal of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” – the world is one family – gives society the moral strength and resilience to overcome even the most difficult circumstances.
He congratulated the Maheshwari Samaj, Jaipur, on embarking upon a new and significant chapter in its enduring journey of service to humanity through the establishment of the Institute.
He observed that the Maheshwari Samaj has a glorious and deeply inspiring legacy of service, sacrifice, dedication and social responsibility — a legacy that has illuminated society and inspired generations.
Recalling the community’s historic contribution to the spread of education, Shri Birla noted that as early as 1926, when India was still under British rule and educational opportunities were scarce in both towns and villages, farsighted members of the Maheshwari Samaj had already recognised education as the cornerstone of an enlightened, cultured and progressive society.
At a time when resources were limited and challenges were formidable, they came forward with remarkable commitment, pooling their resources and energies to establish schools and institutions of learning.
Birla further stated that the Maheshwari Samaj also made a meaningful contribution to India’s freedom movement and carried forward the immortal spirit of sacrifice and patriotism associated with the revered Bhamashah.
Even in the most challenging circumstances, the community remained steadfast in its commitment to public service — establishing schools where educational facilities were absent and building dharamshalas to provide shelter and comfort to travellers arriving from distant places.
–IANS
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