Lions Club Aravali Dedicates 'Apna Ghar Ashram' Building*

**Udaipur:** The Lions Club Aravali and Aravali Lions Trust dedicated the newly constructed building, 'Apna Ghar Ashram,' today. This facility is designed for the underprivileged, mentally challenged, and suffering individuals, referred to as "Prabhu Jan." The inauguration was officiated by District Collector Arvind Pouswal and Superintendent of Police Yogesh Goyal.

**A Philosophy of Service**

Dr. Braj Mohan Bhardwaj, the founder of 'Apna Ghar Ashram,' emphasized that the ashram represents not just a physical space but a philosophy. "For us, it is not merely work or service; it is worship and devotion. The building provided by Lions Club Aravali is one of the temples in our city. Every resident here is considered 'Prabhu Jan,' and we serve them as divine beings. We write letters to Thakurji for daily necessities, and those items arrive the same day," he stated.

**Branches Across the Nation**

Bhardwaj revealed that 'Apna Ghar Ashram' operates 62 branches both nationally and internationally, spending one crore rupees every three days on their services. "The source of this funding is known only to Thakurji. We aim to bring the destitute and suffering individuals from the streets here, providing them with a sense of belonging," he added.

**A Call for Skill Utilization**

Superintendent of Police Yogesh Goyal noted that visiting the ashram is an honor. "Those who selflessly serve here deserve the highest respect; this is the essence of true service," he remarked. Industrialist Shashikant Khetan emphasized the importance of recognizing the talents of the 'Prabhu Jan' and urged Dr. Bhardwaj to assign work based on their skills.

**A Vision Realized**

Event coordinator Dr. Kiran Jain shared that the construction began in 2015-16 with the vision of creating an old age home. "We never anticipated that this building would serve individuals we had never thought about," he expressed. Dr. Bhardwaj, after marrying Dr. Madhuri, pledged to remain childless and has since become a father figure to many children at the ashram.

**Honoring Contributions**

Suresh Vijayvargiya, President of 'Apna Ghar Ashram,' stated, "Our primary focus is to bring individuals from the streets here." He provided insights into the ashram's activities. Shyam Siroya, Secretary of Aravali Lions Trust, highlighted the club's achievements over its 40-year history and announced plans to open a Lions Eye Hospital on the premises.

The event culminated in honoring the contributors to the building's construction with shawls and turbans. The national secretary of 'Apna Ghar Ashram,' Singhal, also addressed the gathering, and club president Bhupendra Nagauri expressed gratitude to all attendees.

**In Attendance**

The ceremony was attended by numerous dignitaries, including club president Bhupendra Nagauri, secretary Purnima Nagauri, chairman R.P. Gupta of Aravali Lions Trust, secretary Shyam Siroya, treasurer Roopalal Jain, Bedla Sarpanch Nirmala Prajapat, and former chairman of Multiple Lions Arvind Chatur. The program was conducted by Alok Pagararia.

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