SPEED – Let us wish It a God Speed

I wrote earlier also about SPEED – Society for the Poor’s

Educational and Economic Development, an outfit of educated and well placed retired and serving professionals and administrators and academics interested in the empowerment of the weaker sections of the society. It is matter of gratification that over the years, SPEED has done well and has undertaken many projects to help the needy under the stewardship of my friends Janak Chauhan, a retired Bank Officer, Dr. Ram Lubhaya Jassi, IPS – Retired ADGP and others.

On November 6, SPEED opened its 7^th Computer Centre in and around Jalandhar at Floret Public School in Ram Nagar for the benefit of the poor students of the area. The computer centre at Ram Nagar has been rightly dedicated to the memory of Dr. V.K.

Tiwari, a renowned educationist who was one of the supporters and patrons of SPEED. It was nice to meet the gracious wife of Dr. Tiwari, Dr. Savita Tiwari who was the chief guest at the function, an academic and an acclaimed artist herself. Though I have had pleasure to know Dr. V.K. Tiwari a little bit yet Dr. Savita Tiwari’s emotional and spontaneous speech about her beloved husband touched the core of my heart. Dr. V.K. Tiwari was a man of sterling worth. Again it is a matter of satisfaction that these days our banking system has come a full circle. The banks are actively engaged in social and community activities. Shri Baldev Raj Dhiman, Regional Executive of Bank of Baroda was the guest of honour at the function who helped SPEED not only in the Ram Nagar project but in its earlier projects by providing computers and other accessories. It was good to meet and listen to Baldev Dhiman, particularly his advice on financial literacy and management required for the economic well being of the weaker segments of the society. The chain of Floret Public Schools is run by a dynamic personality, Dr. Jagan Nath Paul of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Educational Organization, a staunch Ambedkarite and a recognized and respected social activist in the area. It was good to meet and interact with him.

Janak Chauhan informed that SPEED is in the process of opening more such schools in the days to come. He also informed that SPEED has also started some professional courses for the poor students which are duly registered and recognized by the various authorities including Ministry of HRD. Assistant Director M.R. Sallan of Central Institute of Hand Tools also spoke and gave an overview of the short and long term courses being run by his organization situated in the outskirts of Jalandhar. Most of the people are not aware of these facilities available in the area. It was a good effort on the part of SPEED and Dr. Salan to generate much needed awareness for the benefit of the interest people.

I also presented a computer to the SPEED’s Computer Centre at Floret Public School at Ram Nagar as my humble contribution in support of SPEED. I take this opportunity to wish SPEED - A GOD SPEED.