Punjab's good samaritans who left a lasting impact on countless lives in 2024

“Ek Bihari sab pe Bhaari” is a favourite saying of Lt Col Sadhu Singh Sohi (Retd), a proud former officer of the Bihar Regiment.

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This pride also reflects in the letterhead of his NGO, the Ex-Servicemen Grievances Cell, which provides crucial support to veterans, widows, and their families for pension and disability benefits. Every Friday, Sohi and his dedicated team set up a makeshift office on roadside benches opposite the Mohali CSD Canteen. Regardless of the weather, they listen to the grievances of veterans struggling with military and pension authorities.Punjab At 80, Sohi continues his relentless efforts, liaising with service headquarters and the Directorate of Veteran Affairs to amend policies and ensure support for those in need. With over 2,300 members and a core team of 20 volunteers, the NGO works pro bono. In the past 23 years, they've secured pensions for over 400 veterans, widows, and dependents, disability pensions for 75 veterans, family pensions for 45 widows, and financial support for six dependent daughters. During the COVID-19 pandemic, they facilitated hospital admissions for 9,734 patients across India. At 80, Sohi continues his relentless efforts, liaising with service headquarters and the Directorate of Veteran Affairs to amend policies and ensure support for those in need. For the farmers of Punjab and Haryana, Devinder Sharma is a “most trusted ally.” Whenever complex policies or laws arise, farmer bodies turn to Sharma, confident he can represent their perspective effectively. A distinguished food and trade policy analyst, Sharma holds a Master's degree in plant breeding and genetics. “I am here to give a voice to the farming community,” he often says. Backed by well-researched arguments and examples from across India and the world, Sharma counters criticism directed at farmers.punjab Sharma was appointed as one of its members, reinforcing his role as a trusted voice for farmers. Be it the issues of stubble burning or farm debt, Sharma consistently highlights the challenges farmers face and advocates for solutions. He insists that agriculture, the largest sector