SANDEEP Shinde, a barber by profession from Yavatmal district, is known for his generosity and helping nature. Shinde who is always there for the destitute at the time of need of mentally ill people, was honoured by Chhattrapati Seva Pratishthan Nagpur, Pune with ‘43rd Jijamata Vidwat Gaurav Puraskar’ for his service to the society.The ceremony was held at Scientific Society Hall, Laxmi Nagar, on Saturday. Shinde, under the banner of Nandadeep Foundation, is serving those who are rejected by the society for their illness for last 10 years. Acclaiming his efforts, the Pratishthan honoured Shinde and his wife Nandini Shinde with a shawl, shreeful, memento, bouquet, citation and a cash prize of Rs 51,000.

 

Chief guest of the event Dr Sharad Nimbalkar, formerVice Chancellor, Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth in his speech said, “Many people are working for the society, but a person like Shinde who dedicated his life to mentally ill people is an exception.” “Serving the underprivileged people is tradition of Indian culture and people like Shinde are keeping it alive. Such people should be acclaimed by the society by providing them a platform like this forum,” said Dr Nimbalkar. Raje Dr Mudhoji Bhonsale presided over the event. Bhonsale, in his speech, assured support to Nandadeep Foundation in future and appealed Shinde to contact him for any help in near future. Shinde, under the banner of his NGO, helped more than 700 mentally ill people in the last ten years and among them, he got success to reunite 660 such people with their families so far.

 

Currently, Shinde is providing food, shelter and medical help to 125 mentally ill in his project. Shinde is getting support from his team and some mentally ill persons who are helping him for changing the life of underprivileged ones. The event commenced with lighting of traditional lamp and felicitation of guests. A short documentary on work of Sandeep Shinde was also screened during the event, which received a standing ovation. Ajay Deshmukh, President, Chhattrapati Seva Pratishthan Nagpur, Pune gave the introductory remarks. Sadgurudas Maharaj, Founder of Chhattrapati Seva Pratishthan, Nagpur was present during the event. Sanjay Deshkar conducted the proceedings and proposed a vote of thanks.