CKD modernises century-old children home

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, February 6

A century-old Central Khalsa Orphanage managed by the Chief Khalsa Diwan (CKD), where Shaheed Udham Singh lived is on a track to offer better services to students.

For the first time, a dining hall has been built and the kitchen has been renovated and fitted with modern machinery. It was recently inaugurated by Dhanraj Singh, acting president, CKD Charitable Society. In addition to this, 30 new washrooms and a generator has been made operational.

The CKD has been trying to the change the medium of instruction from Punjabi to English gradually. At present, students from Class VI-X were being taught in Punjabi.

Member in charge Sarbjeet Singh said, “Earlier, children used to sit on a floor to eat meals. Now, special tables have been arranged where 150 students can have meal together. Other than being comfortable, kids will learn table manners. A new chappati making machine worth Rs 4.13 lakh has been donated by Amrit Pal Singh. Similarly, with contribution from donors, a new generator set and additional washrooms have been developed.”

The orphanage, established with a single room way back in 1904, has a rich history. Freedom fighter Udham Singh, who was orphaned at the age of five, stayed here with his brother from 1907 to 1919. “During his childhood, Shaheed Udham Singh and his classmates were sent from here only to perform seva of carrying dead bodies of innocent Indians who were killed in Jallianwala Bagh in 1919,” he said.

Sarbjeet said, “Our students’ main inspiration is a room where Shaheed Udham Singh stayed. It still has an original cot and hanging. In one corner of the wall are framed copies of the FIR filed against him by the Britishers after he was convicted of murdering General O’Dwyer at London.”

CKD member Gurinder Singh Chawla said the orphange is in 5.5 acres and is home to 337 children, including 26 blind kids. The blind home at the orphanage houses the holy Guru Granth Sahib in the Braille language.

“Food, lodging, books, uniforms and clothes are provided free of cost to children. Besides education, kids are encouraged to play and opt for a vocational or musical training. A number of students are qualified to join the Armed Forces. Five of our students got government jobs as music instructors. There must be around 20 raagis at the Golden Temple, who studied here,” he said.