Tuesday, December 9, 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

What PM Modi's free hand to armed forces against terror means for cross-border action?

What PM Modi's free hand to armed forces against terror means for cross-border action?
New Delhi, April 29 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s unambiguous message during a high-level security meeting - ‘India is determined to deliver a crushing blow to terrorism’ - marks more than just a strong statement of resolve.

What PM Modi's free hand to armed forces against terror means for cross-border action?

Former Haryana CM Hooda slams Punjab for stopping water

Former Haryana CM Hooda slams Punjab for stopping water
Chandigarh, April 29 (IANS) Senior Congress leader Bhupinder Singh Hooda on Tuesday strongly reacted to the Punjab government's decision to stop water for Haryana.

Former Haryana CM Hooda slams Punjab for stopping water

President Murmu confers Padma Awards to 71 distinguished personalities  

President Murmu confers Padma Awards to 71 distinguished personalities  
New Delhi, April 28 (IANS) President Droupadi Murmu on Monday conferred the prestigious Padma Awards to 71 distinguished individuals at the Civil Investiture Ceremony held at the Rashtrapati Bhawan's Durbar Hall. The honours included four Padma Vibhushan, 10 Padma Bhushan, and 57 Padma Shri awards, recognising outstanding contributions across diverse fields.

President Murmu confers Padma Awards to 71 distinguished personalities  

Pahalgam attack: More countries express solidarity with India, offer support in fight against terrorism

Pahalgam attack: More countries express solidarity with India, offer support in fight against terrorism
New Delhi, April 25 (IANS) Ambassadors of Israel, Egypt, Argentina, and Nepal met External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar in New Delhi on Friday, expressing solidarity with India in its fight against terrorism following the heinous terror attack in Pahalgam.

Pahalgam attack: More countries express solidarity with India, offer support in fight against terrorism

Akali Dal committed to follow principles of Parkash Badal, says Sukhbir Badal

Akali Dal committed to follow principles of Parkash Badal, says Sukhbir Badal
Chandigarh, April 25 (IANS) Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) President Sukhbir Badal on Friday said the party was committed to following the principles laid down by late party chief and former Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal and that he would not flinch from making any sacrifice to ensure there was no fissure in communal harmony in Punjab.

Akali Dal committed to follow principles of Parkash Badal, says Sukhbir Badal

HM Amit Shah's meeting sends a clear message: Not a drop of water to Pakistan

HM Amit Shah's meeting sends a clear message: Not a drop of water to Pakistan
New Delhi, April 25 (IANS) A high-level meeting was held on Friday at the residence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah regarding the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty. The 45-minute meeting between the Home Minister and Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil focused on exploring ways to halt the flow of water to Pakistan.

HM Amit Shah's meeting sends a clear message: Not a drop of water to Pakistan