Thursday, December 18, 2025
ADVT 
India

Gurvinder Singh: A people’s Padma journey in a wheelchair

Darpan News Desk IANS, 27 May, 2025 01:34 PM
  • Gurvinder Singh: A people’s Padma journey in a wheelchair

Bhopal, May 28 (IANS) In a quiet corner of Sirsa, Haryana, Gurvinder Singh defied fate with resilience and service. 

In 1997, a tragic accident changed his life forever, leaving him paralysed from the waist down. What could have been a story of despair instead became one of unwavering strength. 

His wheelchair did not confine him, it became his means to serve, said Modi Story, a popular social media handle on X.  

Then, in 2024, his dedication caught the nation’s attention. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘People’s Padma’ initiative aimed to recognise unsung heroes, those who served without seeking the spotlight. 

Gurvinder’s relentless “sewa” was finally acknowledged at Rashtrapati Bhavan. As the President presented him with the prestigious Padma Shri award, his name echoed beyond the villages of Haryana. 

The country recognised him, but Gurvinder remained unchanged. 

“I received a call from the Union Home Ministry in New Delhi, informing me that I had been selected for the Padma Shri. I was surprised but happy to know that our organisation, Bhai Kanhaiya Trust, was going to receive a national award, even though we had never been given a state award.” 

“Our Prime Minister, Narendra Modi ji, has directed officers to select people who are genuinely working for the public. At Rashtrapati Bhavan, I met several people who were truly dedicated to their work. Most of them did not even know about the Padma Shri award,” he said in an interview available on the X handle Modi Story. 

Determined not to let his physical limitations define him, Gurvinder focused on what he could do rather than what he had lost. He began working with specially-abled children, teaching them that dreams did not have to be limited by circumstances. 


His compassion extended beyond classrooms as he helped abandoned women find dignity and hope. He transformed his struggle into action by offering free ambulance services, ensuring that no patient had to suffer due to a lack of transport. 

His work was not broadcast on television, nor did he seek recognition. His acts of kindness spread only through word of mouth, his name whispered in homes across Haryana as the man who turned adversity into purpose. 

True service, after all, does not need recognition; it transforms lives silently, just as Gurvinder Singh has done for years. 

His journey remains an inspiration, proving that perseverance and compassion can turn personal tragedy into a force for good. 

“He never had a mic, a stage, or a spotlight. But through PM Modi’s vision of a ‘People’s Padma’, his silent sewa reached Rashtrapati Bhavan in 2024 — and the nation heard his name,” the post on X handle of Modi Story said. 

Picture Courtesy: IANS

MORE India ARTICLES

'Should be strongly condemned': India slams attack on Bangladesh founder Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's residence in Dhaka

'Should be strongly condemned': India slams attack on Bangladesh founder Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's residence in Dhaka
The MEA in India expressed deep concern over the attack, highlighting the historical and cultural importance of the residence. India called for the perpetrators to be held accountable and stressed the importance of maintaining peace and stability in the region.

'Should be strongly condemned': India slams attack on Bangladesh founder Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's residence in Dhaka

First batch of 104 illegal Indian immigrants reaches Punjab

First batch of 104 illegal Indian immigrants reaches Punjab
A US military aircraft carrying the first batch of 104 illegal Indian immigrants, with the highest number of 33 each from Haryana and Gujarat, reached Amritsar in Punjab on Wednesday. A total of 30 deportees were residents of Punjab. The US military C-17 aircraft landed at Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport amid tight security.

First batch of 104 illegal Indian immigrants reaches Punjab

ED initiates legal action against 19 broking firms in money laundering case

ED initiates legal action against 19 broking firms in money laundering case
The Directorate of Enforcement (ED) on Wednesday said it has filed a Prosecution Complaint (PC) against 19 broking entities and their directors for allegedly colluding with officials of the National Spot Exchange Limited (NSEL) in a money laundering case.

ED initiates legal action against 19 broking firms in money laundering case

Rajasthan: 1 killed, 9 injured as school bus carrying 30 children crashes

Rajasthan: 1 killed, 9 injured as school bus carrying 30 children crashes
A Class 12 student lost her life while nine other children sustained serious injuries as the driver of the school bus in which they were travelling lost the control of the vehicle following which it fell off a culvert. The accident reportedly happened due to a brake failure. The bus was carrying at least 30 children.

Rajasthan: 1 killed, 9 injured as school bus carrying 30 children crashes

RG Kar financial case: Court rejects Sandip Ghosh’s plea seeking additional time before framing charges

RG Kar financial case: Court rejects Sandip Ghosh’s plea seeking additional time before framing charges
The charge-framing process was supposed to start at the special court on Wednesday. However, it could not start since Ghosh and others accused in the case approached the same bench of the Calcutta High Court which rejected their similar petitions last week with a review petition.

RG Kar financial case: Court rejects Sandip Ghosh’s plea seeking additional time before framing charges

Vijay Mallya moves Karnataka HC seeking loan recovery details, banks issued notice

Vijay Mallya moves Karnataka HC seeking loan recovery details, banks issued notice
Fugitive liquor baron Vijay Mallya approached the Karnataka High Court on Wednesday seeking direction to banks to provide details of the total amount recovered against loans obtained by him, United Breweries Holdings Limited (UBHL, now in liquidation). Considering the plea, the High Court has issued notices to concerned banks in this regard.

Vijay Mallya moves Karnataka HC seeking loan recovery details, banks issued notice