Civic Reception and Felicitation Programme by Rotary Club of Howrah, Harijan Sevak Sangh and Other Civil Society Organizations 9th July 2026, Howrah

Smt. Mitra Ghosh, First Lady of Haryana
Prof. Dr. Sankar Kumar Sanyal, President, Rotary Club of
Howrah and National President of Harijan Sevak Sangh

Justice Dipak Saha Roy, Former Judge, Calcutta High Court,
and President, Harijan Sevak Sangh, Bengal State Branch

Sh. Umesh Rai, Minister of State, Urban Development and
Municipal Affairs, Govt. of West Bengal

Sh. Sanjay Singh, MLA

Distinguished guests, esteemed Rotarians, members of the Harijan Sevak Sangh, representatives of civil society organisations, ladies and gentlemen
It is a matter of great pleasure and privilege to be present among you today in the historic city of Howrah. I express my heartfelt gratitude for the warmth and affection extended to me by my brothers and sisters of West Bengal, which has made me feel truly at home.
This historic land has given India, and indeed the world, some of its finest minds and noblest ideals. It was Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore who taught us to dream of a land “where the mind is without fear and the head is held high,” a vision that continues to guide all who work selflessly for the welfare of others.
I congratulate the Rotary Club of Howrah for its exemplary service to humanity. Rotary International is one of the world’s most respected voluntary organizations, with nearly 1.2 million members across more than 200 countries and geographical areas, united by its inspiring motto, “Service Above Self.” Since its establishment in 1948, the Rotary Club of Howrah has made significant contributions to education, healthcare, community welfare and social development, enriching the lives of countless people in this historic industrial district.
I also extend my deep appreciation to the Harijan Sevak Sangh, founded by Mahatma Gandhi in 1932, in the wake of a historic meeting in Bombay presided over by Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya and graced by Baba Saheb Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar. That meeting laid the foundation for the cause of social justice and the dignity of the marginalised. Since then, the Sangh has walked the Gandhian path with firm commitment, working to eradicate untouchability and to build a society founded on equality and harmony.
 
Dear Friends,
As we move towards the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047, our journey must be guided not only by economic growth but also by social justice, inclusivity and human dignity. Development acquires its true meaning only when its benefits reach the last person in society, in the spirit of Antyodaya envisioned by Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya.
On this occasion, I urge every organisation represented here, every volunteer and every citizen who believes in the power of service, to renew their commitment towards the welfare of the weaker and underprivileged sections of society. Let us work together to eliminate discrimination, promote equal opportunity and build a society founded on compassion, harmony and mutual respect.
I once again thank the organisers for this gracious felicitation and for the opportunity to interact with such distinguished members of society.
Thank you. Jai Hind!