JAMMU, Oct 14: Shiv Dev Singh, President of Manhas Baradari and former MLA, has called for greater unity among community leaders, collective efforts to combat drug abuse and sustained support for economically weaker families.
Addressing a press conference following a community gathering, Shiv Dev Singh said the initiative, which began in 2005, had completed 21 years of its journey. He noted that eight Pradhans had led the organisation during this period, all elected unanimously and without contest.
Shiv Dev said the primary objective of the gathering was to bring community leaders onto a common platform and strengthen coordination among different village-level representatives. Several Pradhans from Raipur and other communities attended the meeting, including the chairman, Narayan Singh, along with representatives of the Pulwal and Chepa communities.
“Our aim is to bring all Pradhans together and strengthen unity within the community. We must rise above political affiliations when working for the welfare of our people,” Shiv Dev Singh said.
Expressing concern over drug abuse, Shiv Dev said the community had witnessed several tragic cases linked to addiction. He appealed to community leaders and families to work collectively to protect young people from drugs and encourage them to focus on education, sports and constructive activities.
He emphasised that safeguarding the younger generation was a shared responsibility and urged village committees to take an active role in awareness and prevention efforts.
Highlighting the organisation’s social welfare initiatives, Singh said special attention would be given to financially distressed families, particularly women whose husbands were unwell and those struggling to provide basic necessities for their children.
He said the community intended to arrange monthly ration assistance for such families and help eligible beneficiaries access Below Poverty Line (BPL) ration cards and government pension schemes.
Singh also announced plans to support economically weaker families with the marriage expenses of their daughters, adding that beneficiaries would be identified on the basis of need.
The Baradari is also working towards establishing committees in villages to involve both young people and senior citizens in community development and welfare activities.
Shiv Dev expressed hope that participation would increase significantly at the next gathering, scheduled for May next year.
He said the organisation would continue its efforts to revive community solidarity, assist vulnerable families and promote education, sports and a drug-free society.