Jalandhar: Completing 15 years of dedicated social service, Helping Hands has emerged as one of Phagwara’s most respected charitable groups, transforming lives through education, healthcare, women’s empowerment, and humanitarian aid. Established in April 2010, the organization was founded by Harminder Singh Basra along with a group of philanthropists, including NRIs Surjit Singh Ghuman, Tekchand Punni, Dev Sharma, Iqbal Singh Bala, Ballu Walia, Vikramjit Singh Bablu, and Sudhir Helen. Their collective aim was to support underprivileged students and serve society through meaningful initiatives. Harminder Singh Basra became the founding president, and soon, volunteer Harinder Kaur Sethi joined, strengthening the team and expanding its reach.
Since its inception, Helping Hands has launched several socially relevant and impactful projects. “Akkhan De Taare” (Stars of the Eyes), a major educational initiative launched in collaboration with Punjab Radio London, has helped nearly 8,000 students in schools across Phagwara tehsil. Under this project, students are adopted each year and all educational expenses, including school fees, stationery, uniforms, school bags, shoes, sweaters, and socks, are covered. The organization has also been a leader in women’s empowerment. A free sewing school for girls has been established in Mohalla Kaulsar, where hundreds of young women have received sewing training. One of its most charitable initiatives is the “Kanyadaan” project, which has provided dignity and relief to hundreds of economically disadvantaged families. Since 2010, Helping Hands has organized the weddings of nearly 200 girls at Gurdwara Akali, Banga Road, Phagwara.
Each year, the organization manages the entire ceremony, from milni to doli, and provides each bride with essential household items. The group has also provided vital medical assistance, providing financial assistance of several lakhs of rupees for the treatment and surgery of underprivileged patients. Founder President Harminder Singh Basra expressed his gratitude and thanked his team, NRI supporters, and donors for their contributions. Basra reiterated Helping Hands’ commitment to continuously expanding its humanitarian aid. “As long as society stands with us, we will continue to serve the poor and needy with even greater strength and dedication,” he said. He further stated that the trust and blessings of the people are the organization’s greatest inspiration. From children’s education to marriage assistance, from skill development to life-saving medical assistance, Helping Hands has proven for 15 years that humanity is the greatest religion. Today, it is one of Phagwara’s leading social service organizations, praised in India and abroad for its compassion and unwavering commitment to community welfare.
