JAMMU / NEW DELHI, Oct 6: Er. Sudhir Sethi, Aeronautical Engineer and President of the J&K Thalassemia Welfare Society (JKTWS), Jammu, has been honoured with the prestigious Sant Eshwar Samman for his outstanding and selfless contribution to the field of thalassemia.
The award was presented to Sethi by the Vice President of India, C. P. Radhakrishnan, at Mavalankar Auditorium, Constitution Club of India, New Delhi. The Sant Eshwar Samman recognises individuals across India who have devoted themselves to sincere, silent and selfless service to society without seeking recognition or personal reward. Sethi was among 16 individuals selected from across India for this distinguished honour. On this occasion, Sethi announced that he would donate the money received along with the honor to J&K Thalassemia Welfare Society.
The Sant Eshwar Samman is particularly meaningful because it celebrates individuals who work quietly and sincerely for the welfare of society, often without seeking publicity or recognition. Sethi’s long-standing commitment to thalassemia patients and his sustained efforts through JKTWS reflect this spirit of dedicated social service.
An Aeronautical Engineer by profession, Sudhir Sethi also has the distinction of having been a classmate of Kalpana Chawla, the first woman of Indian origin to travel into space as a NASA astronaut. However, beyond his professional achievements, his life’s work has been deeply associated with humanitarian service and the welfare of children and families affected by thalassemia.
The J&K Thalassemia Welfare Society was established on 18 April 1996, and since its inception, Sethi has been working with unwavering commitment for the welfare and support of thalassemia patients. For nearly three decades, the Society has been actively involved in organising blood donation camps, medical camps, awareness programmes, counselling and other support services for thalassemia patients, particularly children who require regular blood transfusions.
The honour has brought recognition not only to Sudhir Sethi but also to Jammu & Kashmir and the J&K Thalassemia Welfare Society, acknowledging the sustained efforts made over the years for the welfare of thalassemia patients.
One of the major initiatives associated with Er. Sethi’s service has been the organisation of regular blood donation camps in degree colleges and engineering colleges, encouraging young students to become voluntary blood donors and creating greater awareness about the critical importance of regular blood donation for thalassemia patients. Over the years, these initiatives have helped build a strong culture of voluntary blood donation among the younger generation.
Speaking on the occasion, Er. Sudhir Sethi expressed his gratitude for the honour and said that the award was not merely a personal recognition but a tribute to the patients, parents, doctors, blood donors, volunteers and well-wishers who have remained associated with the thalassemia movement over the years. He dedicated the recognition to all those who have silently contributed to saving lives through voluntary blood donation and humanitarian service.