Inspired by the concept of ‘Neki ki diwar’ (the wall of charity) in Iran made by a philanthropist and the zest to do something for others, Haridwar based retired teacher of Jagdeesh Nagar has made ‘Neki ka ghar’ on Jwalapur road through which millions of people traverse daily. The ‘house of charity’ was formally inaugurated on Sunday noon. Even before its dedication to the public, this small caged house of charity saw hundreds of house hold items and clothes occupying the shelves and the wall hooks kept by passers by. The retired teacher has built the enclosure for charity in the memory of his wife Meena who left her mortal form after a paralytic attack in 2014. The city Mayor who happened to pass by this charity wall enclosure also donated 7 blankets and some clothes to the house.
Painted in striking orange colour the caged enclosure near Sector 2 barrier of BHEl on Jwalapur road has become a head turner for many passers by. It is not a temple, with no idol but a humanitarian wall where it is written, “Drop your old used clothes, household articles, anyone in need can pick up as per his requirement.”
Speaking to The Pioneer, the retired teacher from Hariram Arya Inter college lokendra Pal Singh said, “I had liked the idea of Neki ki diwar made in Iran where people used to hang out-of fashion clothes which the poor people most willingly took away. I consulted few traders outside our colony Jagdeesh Nagar and everyone appreciated the idea. Thus this Neki ka ghar took shape.” Made in his wife’s memory Meena, lokendra said that many a times a discussion was held by his wife that where to dispose the shortened, old fashioned clothes of children. There should be a public place where without giving a second thought, one could keep things and thus help the have nots in some way. ‘Neki ka ghar’ was made just in that spirit.
Another resident of Jagdeesh Nagar near Neki, Inderjeet Singh said, “It is our appeal to the people to donate only usable clothes and items. If someone is keeping an old shirt, it must have buttons so that the wearer doesn’t have to bother or waste it in a bin.”
Chirangi lal Brijwasi, a local trader who has printing press on Jwalapur road said, “We all are happy on this development of a charity wall. The initiative by lokendra must be emulated by others.”
Traders from Navdurga Vyapar mandal were all seeing supporting the cause. Ravi Dhingra, Vicky Taneja and many others had gathered on Sunday to support the cause.
When the city Mayor Manoj Garg reached with new blankets and other items for donation, one of the residents asked if Nagar Nigam would support such noble acts. “We extend our full support to such initiatives and I wish 7 more such Neki ka ghar are built around the city so that the poor may be benefitted. This is not only a first noble step in the state of Uttarakhand but can guide the country as well in developing the spirit of sharing.” Manoj also extolled some of the local people present there to take the initiative at other places and the expenses could be borne by Nagar Nigam, he announced openly.