Daan Utsav gets good response from residents

The 2024 Daan Utsav received an overwhelming response from the residents of different cities with them donating more than 1,00,000 clothes, 5,000 toys, 3,000 pairs of shoes, 2,000 beddings, 1,500 utensils, 3,000 appliances, grocery, e-waste, etc.

The two-day distribution event commenced at indoor stadium, Pakhowal road, on Monday. Additional Deputy Commissioner (Rural Development) Dr Harjinder Singh was the chief guest on the first day and he felicitated the participants and associated organisations.

Daan Utsav is being organised by the Ludhiana Municipal Corporation in association with CityNeeds. Apart from Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Amritsar, Mohali, Chandigarh, Ropar and Patiala, the utsav was also observed in Panchkula, Haryana, and Delhi this year.

The collection drive under the Daan Utsav was held during the first week of October and dropping centres were established across different cities where residents could drop the old and new items for the needy.

MC Assistant Commissioner Jasdev Singh Sekhon and CityNeeds Director Maneet Dewan said residents had participated in the utsav in large numbers, which was a good sign for a progressive society.

Students of 34 educational institutes, members of Lodhi Club and employees of industrial associations including, UCPMA, FICO, etc, have also donated material during the utsav. Different NGOs including, Act Humane, Marshal Aid, Small ideas and Great Ideas, among others were also felicitated with appreciation certificates for their active participation. Civil Surgeon Pardeep Kumar Mohindra, FICO president Gurmeet Singh Kular, UCPMA president Harsimranjit Singh Lucky and Harleen Kaur of Act Humane also participated in the distribution ceremony on the first day.

Sekhon and Diwan said the donated material had been collected from dropping centres and had been put at the indoor stadium. The material has been segregated and it would be distributed among the needy persons through NGOs. The distribution ceremony would be held at the same venue on Tuesday.

ADC Singh appreciated CityNeeds, Act Humane and other associated NGOs for their efforts stating the initiative would surely bring a smile on the face of the needy. He added residents should step up and promote the culture of helping others among children for the betterment of society at large.

Stalls are also exhibiting organic goods, renewal energy solutions, waste management and eco-friendly Diwali gifts.