Jagdish Lal Ahuja, fondly known as ¡®Langar Baba¡¯ has been serving freefood to hundreds of patients and attendants right outside PGIMER in Chandigarh.It has been more than two decades, that the 85-year-old ¡®Langar Baba¡¯ makes adaily trip to the hospital to feed those in need.
Ahuja has been suffering from cancer and yet, the illness did not deterhim from being a good Samaritan.
He also provides patients other support, from financial assistance to blankets and clothes.? ?
In an interview with The Indian Express, Ahuja said, ¡°I, along with myfamily, had come here from Peshawar in Pakistan at the time of Partition in1947. My family came to Mansa and then, I shifted towards Ropar and the place,which is known as?Chandigarh?today. I merelyhad a few paisas in my pocket then. Ieven sold bananas sitting by the road at the old mandi in New Delhi. The ideato start langar outside PGI was my inner voice. I had faced poverty andstarvation, and when I thought I am capable of feeding others, I decided tostart langar service.¡±
He said he heard about the Padma Shri from media persons. ¡°I do not knowwho recommended my name and how it was accepted. I just want that thegovernment should rebate me from income tax, so my family can continue the langarservice after my death,¡± he told the newspaper.
A self-made crorepati, Ahuja had come to India empty handed during Partition. He sold off properties worth crores to fuel his mission, and continues to serve undeterred even by stomach cancer.
Another person to receive the Padma Shri is Dr Digambar Behera, who iswith the Pulmonary Department at PGIMER. He was honoured with the fourthhighest civilian award for his distinguished service in the field of medicine.
Dr Behera has held the post of Dean Research at PGIMER and has alsoserved as director for the National Institute of TB and Respiratory Diseases inNew Delhi.?