Jaipur, 9th December 2024: In the memory of M.L. Mehta, former Chief Secretary of the Rajasthan Government, the prestigious M.L. Mehta Foundation jointly in collaboration with HCMRIPA successfully organised the 10th edition of M.L. Mehta Memorial Oration. The oration was organised at the B.S. Mehta Auditorium. The event centred on the theme “Serving the Unserved” brought together prominent personalities, thought leaders, and change makers dedicated to creating a meaningful impact in the lives of underserved communities.

The grand event was graced by Chief Guest, Dr. Brij Mohan Bhardwaj, Founder, Apna Ghar Ashram, Bharatpur along with Mr. Kuldeep Ranka, ACS, Dept. of Social Justice and Empowerment, Govt. of Rajasthan. 

Known for his unparalleled commitment to providing care and shelter to the abandoned and destitute, Dr. Brij Mohan Bhardwaj, Founder, Apna Ghar Ashram delivered an inspiring keynote address, emphasizing the importance of collective responsibility and compassion in addressing the needs of society’s most vulnerable members. He further shared, “Today is the 10th death anniversary of M.L. Mehta. The topic today is 'Serving the unserved. People who are in trouble and do not have resources, how can they be served, how can they be helped? Actually, people should  see service through various mediums. When people do seva, they say that we require  resources for it. But I believe that there is no need for any resources for doing seva. All you require is love and compassion. All the resources for service will be sent by Thakur ji. Thakur ji has left 33 crore gods and goddesses for seva, so that if someone is serving helpless and sick people on earth, then resources can be sent to them.

 If there is any shortage of resources, then it is an indication that the service is not being done with honesty. If the seva is done with honesty, then the resources come automatically. Those who serve do not need to search for resources and people. People who want to use their resources properly, find them themselves”.

Delivering the presidential observations, Mr. Kuldeep Ranka, ACS, Dept. of Social Justice and Empowerment, Govt. of Rajasthan, shared, “Respected M.L. Mehta had the feeling of Antyodaya. I got the opportunity to learn from him how to help the person sitting in the last row of the society and how to keep him at the center. So, coming from a simple background, from a simple family, he remained among us as an extraordinary personality and will always remain so. On completion of one year of the government on 15 December, 10 thousand people will be fitted with callipers.”

The 10th edition also featured a poignant short film on the life and legacy of Late Shri M.L. Mehta, highlighting his unwavering commitment to public service and his vision for an equitable society. Adding to the occasion's significance was the presentation of cheques to Sumedha Scholars, a gesture symbolizing the foundation’s dedication to empowering meritorious students through education and financial support. These moments underscored the enduring impact of Shri M.L. Mehta’s values and the foundation’s ongoing efforts to nurture talent and inspire positive change.

Late Shri M.L. Mehta, former Chief Secretary of the Government of Rajasthan, exemplified the qualities of a pro-people civil servant. His illustrious career was distinguished by unwavering integrity, compassion, dedication, and a profound commitment to the upliftment of the poor and marginalized.

In 1977, as Secretary of Policy Planning, Shri Mehta conceptualized and developed the renowned Antyodaya Scheme, which brought the needs of the most disadvantaged to the forefront. This pioneering program gave tangible form to Mahatma Gandhi’s vision of poverty eradication, placing the welfare of the poorest at the heart of policymaking.