Jammu, May 22:
Showcasing the deeply ingrained local spirit of community service, Jammu East MLA Yudhvir Sethi, alongside senior leader Braham Jyot Satti, officially flagged off vehicles carrying dry rations for a grand Bhandara (community kitchen) at the revered Maha Kaali Temple in Sohal, Gulab Garh.
The essential supplies are being mobilized by the Shree Panchmukhi Sewa Dal, a dedicated local socio-religious organization committed to ensuring that the thousands of pilgrims visiting the holy shrine this season are well-supported with free, hot meals.
Religious Rituals Precede the Flag-Off
Before sending off the supply convoy, the political dignitaries joined hands with temple priests and community members to perform traditional Vedic rituals and pujas at the Mata Kaali shrine. Amidst the resonant chanting of hymns and prayers, blessings were sought for the peace, well-being, and safe transit of all devotees undertaking the challenging pilgrimage.
Members of the Shree Panchmukhi Sewa Dal extended a warm traditional welcome to the dignitaries, presenting them with a sacred portrait of Mindal Mata as a token of spiritual appreciation.
Keeping Jammu’s Legendary Hospitality Alive
Addressing the gathering, MLA Yudhvir Sethi highly lauded the relentless efforts of the volunteer network. He emphasized that local-led community kitchens serve as a cornerstone of the region’s cultural identity.
“Jammu has proudly earned its identity as the ‘City of Temples’ not just because of its sacred structures, but due to its unmatched hospitality and spiritual warmth. Serving travelers and pilgrims is the highest form of public service. It reinforces social harmony and sets an incredible benchmark of selfless volunteerism for our youth.” — Yudhvir Sethi, MLA Jammu East
Adding to the sentiment, Braham Jyot Satti remarked that grassroot community participation in humanitarian efforts naturally strengthens communal brotherhood and social responsibility. He reiterated that BJP workers remain completely aligned with local socio-religious groups to ensure the region’s cultural traditions are preserved and nurtured.
Prominent Civil Society Members in Attendance
The flag-off event saw the participation of notable administrative, commercial, and party figures who turned out to endorse the welfare drive: Ashok Mahajan (Noted Industrialist), Arun Sethi (District President, BJP OBC Morcha Jammu), Arun Mehra & Rakesh Kumar (District Vice Presidents), Rajesh Verma (District General Secretary), Vishav Dubey, Joginder Dubey, & Raman Sharma (District Spokesperson) and Swati Sharma (Mandal President, Amphalla).
The ceremony concluded with unified prayers for the seamless implementation of the Bhandara and a prosperous pilgrimage season for Jammu and Kashmir.
