Col Mickie Ubero have created a Child Care Institution (Orphanage) for orphan, abandoned and vulnerable girls and a senior citizens home that runs on a self sustainable basis. It’s a unique institution and a new benchmark.

GHAR is about creating meaningful, purposeful and fulfilling lives and them learning how to use that to make an impact and a difference in the lives of others
– Colonel Mickie Uberoi (Retd)

Sant Ishwar Foundation has set up homes housed in a specially designed seven storied building to house orphan, abandoned and vulnerable girls in need of care and protection, women with disabilities and the elderly under one roof and to empower them through quality education and skilling, mainstream them and make them productive members of society while enhancing the quality of life of the elderly. The name of our institution is GHAR.

GHAR is the creation of a joint family of three generations – daughters, mothers and grandparents and their bonding as we have in our own families. GHAR is about belongingness, security, good education, a sound future and above all, about love and affection.

Making a Difference to the Lives of People through Quality Education and Development with Values

Providing Hope and a Bright Future for Orphan, Abandoned and Vulnerable Girls

At GHAR we provide our girls a loving and caring environment, good education, healthy nutrition, good healthcare and security and all that it takes to ensure their overall growth and development into successful, compassionate and conscientious human beings. GHAR takes care of the emotional needs of girls in need of care and protection and provides them with good education and all other facilities that are essential to make them realise their full potential in academics, sports, arts and culture and to become capable to participate and compete in all activities.

Girls of the age of 6-18 years who are in need of care and protection are taken care of by us. These include orphans who have no one to look after them, abandoned children, children of sex workers who are vulnerable, children of single parents who are unfit and incapacitated to care for and protect their children, abused children and the like. Such children are produced before the Child Welfare Committee, a statutory body, and after due investigations they are admitted to our Child Care Institution.

GHAR is about giving our girls meaningful, purposeful and fulfilling lives and them learning how to use that to make an impact and a difference in the lives of others. We envisage that they will carry the message of humanity, empathy and goodness to their respective worlds and impact people’s lives in times to come.

Providing the Gift of Education to Underprivileged Children

All girls are educated in English medium schools except some older girls for whom the transition to English is difficult at their age. In view of their underprivileged backgrounds, many girls have had no earlier schooling. In GHAR our teachers provide extensive in-house tuitions to our girls in our classroom named Pathshala.

Classes in English are also conducted to make them versant with the language. Activities, including yoga, sports, vocal and instrumental music lessons, art and craftwork are regularly conducted. Girls are encouraged to participate in school programs. Educational excursions are periodically undertaken. Educational scholarships to needy children are also provided.

Sant Ishwar Foundation also supports the education of marginalised non-resident children and conducts awareness campaigns and workshops on child protection and on aspects of humanity.

The Child Care Institution comprises of four spacious dormitories, a kitchen and pantry, a dining room, well-furnished bathrooms and toilets and a play area for children with playground equipment. Two large halls house a classroom and an activity cum computer room and library.

Girls are provided a well balanced healthy and nutritious diet. All festivals and National events are celebrated with fervour. Workshops on safe and unsafe touch, cartoons, calligraphy, making lamps and motivational classes are also conducted periodically.

All girls are educated in English medium schools except some older girls for whom the transition to English is difficult at their age. In view of their underprivileged backgrounds, many girls have had no earlier schooling. In GHAR our teachers provide extensive in-house tuitions to our girls in our classroom named Pathshala.

Classes in English are also conducted to make them versant with the language. Activities, including yoga, sports, vocal and instrumental music lessons, art and craftwork are regularly conducted. Girls are encouraged to participate in school programs. Educational excursions are periodically undertaken. Educational scholarships to needy children are also provided.

Sant Ishwar Foundation also supports the education of marginalised non-resident children and conducts awareness campaigns and workshops on child protection and on aspects of humanity.

Enhancing Lives and Enriching Souls in their Golden Years

GHAR supports the elderly at our residential facility by offering caring support at a reasonable cost. As a passionate senior living home in Pune, we provide comfortable and well furnished single and double bed rooms for senior living with basic healthcare facilities and recreational activities like indoor games, yoga, meditation and excursions. Our staff provides responsible and caring assistance to promote independent living while creating a nurturing environment that fosters relationships between the elderly and children.

Homely Atmosphere

A cosy and homely environment where residents feel at ease, surrounded by all necessary amenities for their comfort.

Medical Care

Doctors visit weekly and are available on call. Regular medical checkups ensure the residents’ basic healthcare needs are met & addressed promptly.

Courteous and Caring Staff

Our courteous and caring staff includes housekeeping and dedicated attendants who ensure optimum care and utmost attention.

Healthy Living

GHAR offers facilities for a healthy lifestyle including a gym, a meditation hall and yoga sessions to promote physical and mental wellness and a lovely sit out amidst lush greenery.

They are given first aid locally and later airlifted to 92 Base Hospital of the Army in Srinagar

Two soldiers were injured on Tuesday in a mine blast near the Line of Control in Uri sector of Jammu and Kashmir, officials said here.

The soldiers were injured in the blast at a forward post at Kamalkote in Baramulla district, they added.

They were given first aid locally and later airlifted to 92 Base Hospital of the Army here.

‘Sikh riders’ arrived in tractors loaded with rations and relief supplies for families devastated by the Assam floods.

Their mission was simple to serve humanity. Their actions were driven not by  politics, but by compassion and they lived up to that commitment every step of the way.

When they left, they carried back something far more valuable–gratitude, love and respect.

As devastating floods continue to batter Assam, claiming at least 75 lives and affecting more than 3.32 lakh people across seven districts, a Sikh gurdwara in Sivasagar has emerged as a beacon of hope by providing shelter, food and essential services to hundreds of displaced families.

The Sivasagar Gurudwara Sahib, located near Station Chariali, has opened its doors to nearly 200 flood-hit families while serving 1,500 to 2,000 freshly prepared meals every day through its community kitchen (langar), irrespective of religion, caste or community.

The humanitarian initiative comes as Assam grapples with what officials have described as one of the state’s worst flood disasters in decades, triggered by rainfall reaching nearly 490 per cent above normal in some of the hardest-hit regions.

Sikh gurdwara offers shelter and meals

With entire villages submerged and thousands forced to flee their homes, the gurdwara has become a temporary refuge for people left homeless by the floods.

“Our gurdwara has always run a langar, and serving humanity is our religion. Therefore, it is our duty to stand by the people of Sivasagar during this difficult time,” Maninder Singh Khalsa, Joint State Secretary of the Gurudwara Management Committee, told Awaz-The Voice.

“As soon as the floods hit Sivasagar, we opened the doors of our gurdwara. Around 200 families are staying here comfortably, and we are providing them with three meals a day,” he said.

Apart from offering shelter, the gurdwara has arranged generators, mobile phone charging facilities and fans after floodwaters disrupted electricity supply across the region.

“Our volunteers are working day and night in the gurdwara kitchen to prepare food for the flood victims,” Khalsa added.

Community joins relief efforts

The relief work has drawn support from members of the Marwari community, social organisations and local residents, who have contributed food supplies and other essentials.

Concerned about the health of displaced families, the gurdwara management has appealed to the Assam government to deploy medical personnel at the shelter.

“If the government provides us with two doctors and a medical team, that will be sufficient. We will arrange the medicines ourselves,” Khalsa said.

Despite being managed by only about 50 Sikh families living in Sivasagar, the gurdwara has become one of the largest community-led relief centres in the district.

Assam flood toll continues to climb

According to the latest official figures, the flood death toll has risen to 75, while more than 3.32 lakh people remain affected across Sivasagar, Charaideo, Golaghat, Jorhat, Nagaon, Sonitpur and Kamrup Metropolitan districts.

More than 622 villages remain inundated, forcing thousands to stay in government-run relief camps.

Sivasagar has emerged as the worst-hit district, with several villages flattened or buried under thick layers of mud after floodwaters receded.

The Indian Air Force, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) continue rescue and relief operations, using helicopters and boats to reach marooned communities. 

The Assam government has announced ₹9 lakh as ex gratia compensation for the families of those who lost their lives and rolled out additional relief packages for affected families and students.

Health concerns emerge

As floodwaters gradually recede in parts of Upper Assam, authorities are shifting focus to rehabilitation and preventing outbreaks of waterborne diseases.

Large areas remain covered in stagnant water and thick mud, while decomposing livestock and damaged infrastructure have raised concerns about sanitation and public health.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has been camping in eastern Assam to monitor rescue and rehabilitation efforts, while senior ministers have been assigned to oversee operations in the worst-affected districts.

Although official figures place the death toll at 75, some local residents and public representatives have claimed the actual number of deaths and missing persons could be significantly higher. Authorities, however, have not confirmed those claims.

Decorated officer who shaped India’s counter-insurgency strategy against Maoists dies at 77; trained over 37,000 security personnel

Brigadier Basant Kumar Ponwar (Retd), a decorated veteran of the 1971 Indo-Pak War and the architect of the country’s modern jungle warfare against Maoist insurgency, died here, his family said on Wednesday.

Ponwar, 77, is survived by his mother, Devika Ponwar, and two sons, both currently serving in the Army, they said.

A young officer who was part of cross-border operations during the 1971 war, leading ambushes alongside Mukti Bahini fighters and playing a vital role in the advance toward Dhaka, Ponwar dedicated over five decades to national defence across both the Indian Army and the police forces in Mizoram and Chhattisgarh. 

Born on March 3, 1949, in Indore, he was commissioned into the 1^st Battalion of the Maratha Light Infantry (1 MLI) in December 1969.

During the 1971 conflict, serving under the 95 Mountain Brigade, he led raids against enemy positions in Kamalpur and Bakshiganj, later acting as a key link officer during the historic Tangail paradrop.

Over a distinguished 36-year military career, he commanded 1 MLI and served as Commandant of the Army’s Counter Insurgency and Jungle Warfare School (CIJWS) in Vairengte, Mizoram, where he oversaw the inaugural Indo-US exercise ‘Yudh Abhyas’ in 2004. He was awarded the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) and Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM) for exceptional service.

Following his retirement from the army, Brig Ponwar was appointed Inspector General of Police by the Chhattisgarh government. In August 2005, he founded the Counter Terrorism and Jungle Warfare College (CTJWC) in Kanker, North Bastar.

Guided by his famous war cry “fight the guerrilla like a guerrilla”, he directed the college for 18 years, training over 37,000 personnel across state police forces and central paramilitary units to combat Naxalite violence.

Former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh expressed condolences over the news of Brig Ponwar (retd) and recalled his role as an instructor at the ‘Counter Terrorism and Jungle Warfare College’ (Kanker).

“His historic contribution in making our soldiers proficient in jungle warfare and thereby strengthening the security forces will forever remain unforgettable. His departure is an irreparable loss for the state and the country,” he said.

Chhattisgarh Police, on its official handle, recalled Ponwar’s role and said his courage, leadership, and service to the nation in the struggle against Naxalism will forever remain an inspiration.

“His contribution to strengthening the security system of Chhattisgarh is unforgettable,” the post said

The Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, passed in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday, proposes stricter punishment.

The legislation aims at effectively deterring persons, organised groups and institutions from indulging in unfair means, thereby committing offences, adversely impacting the sanctity of public examinations.

Here are salient features of the bill which amends a 2024 law:

Empowers all state governments and Union Territory (UT) administrations to designate any sessions court to be a special fast-track court to try offences under the proposed law.

1. To provide that the proceedings in such Special Fast Track Courts are continued on day-to-day basis and the trial be completed within a period of three months from the date of filing of the charge sheet.
2. To empower the central government to also constitute special task force for investigation of any offence.
3. To provide that the investigations for offences under the legislation are completed within a period of two months.
4. To empower all state governments and UT administrations to appoint one or more special public prosecutors for conduct of cases under the legislation.
5. To provide for appeal mechanism as against any judgment, sentence or order to a bench of two judges of the high court, and for disposal of the same within a period of three months from the date of admission of appeal.
6. Under the new law, individuals involved in paper leaks or unfair means in exams will get jail terms for a minimum of five years and a maximum of 10 years, and a fine of up to Rs 50 lakh.
7. For organised crimes, the bill proposes a minimum sentence of seven years and a fine of up to Rs 10 crore.

The 2024 law was brought when the government was faced with raging paper leak controversies. Before this legislation, there was no specific substantive law to deal with unfair means adopted or offences committed by various entities involved in the conduct of public examinations by the central government and its agencies. 

PoliceRecruitment Exams

The law aims to prevent unfair means in the public examinations conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), the Staff Selection Commission (SSC), the railways, banking recruitment examinations and the National Testing Agency (NTA) among others.

Union minister Jitendra Singh on Wednesday said in Lok Sabha that no bullet was fired on students protesting in the national capital against the NEET fiasco as he dismissed Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s allegations that Union Home Minister Amit Shah had ordered firing on students.

Replying to the debate on the Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, the minister for state for PMO said the authority to issue order for firing rests with the magistrate, not with a minister and Gandhi lacked experience in public life and hence has levelled such allegations.

He said Gandhi alleged that the home minister has ordered firing on protesters in Delhi but was not able to authenticate that allegation.

“The first and fundamental point is he should know that when no shots were fired in the first place, the question of giving an order does not arise at all. (Jab goli chali hee nahi, toh aadesh dene ka sawal hee paida nai hota),” Singh said, dismissing the allegations levelled by the leader of opposition in Lok Sabha.

He said the authority to issue such an order rests with the magistrate, not with a minister.

“No bullet was fired, only tear gas was used,” Singh said, strongly defending Shah.

On Gandhi’s allegations that Shah’s cavalcade has 30 vehicles, Singh again rejected the suggestion and took a dig at him saying the leader of the opposition does not even know the counting.

On Gandhi’s remarks that the home minister had gone on foreign travel, the minister said Gandhi should know that Shah has never visited a foreign country.

“So without facts, and without a sense of responsibility, saying something in the House and then leaving the House, cannot be the behaviour of a responsible leader of opposition,” he said.

Earlier, Gandhi alleged that Shah had authorised police excesses against student protesters, triggering a massive uproar in Lok Sabha during the debate on the bill.

“The home minister is not here today because he is scared,” Gandhi said, drawing objections from the treasury benches.

The home minister “authorised” violent action against students, the Congress leader alleged, referring to the crackdown by security forces during the march to Parliament on July 20 during the CJP-led protest on the NEET paper leak issue. 

Speaker Om Birla immediately intervened, saying the discussion was not on the Home Minister.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju objected to Gandhi’s remarks and asked him to clarify the basis of his allegations and apologise.

Shimla district admin felicitates Kargil War veterans on Kargil Vijay Diwas

Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann on Sunday paid tribute to soldiers who laid down their lives in the 1999 Kargil War

Vajra Corps pays tribute to martyrs on Kargil Vijay Diwas in Jalandhar

Kargil Vijay Diwas observed with wreath-laying ceremony at Dras

Himachal salutes its Kargil heroes on 27th Vijay Diwas

Capt Vikram Batra’s father recalls the spirit of ‘Shershaah’

No talks with Pakistan except on PoK: Rajnath Singh

The Shimla district administration on Saturday felicitated soldiers and veterans who participated in the Kargil War during a district-level Kargil Vijay Diwas programme held here, honouring their exceptional courage, bravery and service to the nation.

Deputy Commissioner (DC) Shimla, Anupam Kashyap, felicitated Subedar Major Sham Lal Sharma, Subedar Major Diwakar Dutt Sharma, Subedar Ved Prakash Sharma, Havildar Laxmi Dutt Sharma, Havildar Ram Lal Sharma, Havildar Praveen Sharma and Naik Jai Singh during the event.

Addressing the gathering, the DC said the Kargil victory stands as a symbol of the Indian Army’s indomitable courage, determination and patriotism. He said the sacrifices of soldiers who laid down their lives in the service of the nation would continue to inspire generations. 

“Twenty-seven years have passed since the Kargil victory, but the nation can never forget its martyrs. National service and nation-building cannot be achieved through a one-day event alone; everyone will have to contribute collectively in this direction,” he said.

Kashyap also highlighted drug addiction, particularly the menace of ‘chitta‘, as one of the major challenges facing the country. He said eliminating the problem requires the cooperation and participation of every section of society.

He added that in the coming years, efforts would be made to organise Kargil Vijay Diwas celebrations on a larger scale and involve more people to further strengthen the spirit of patriotism.

During the programme, an inspirational documentary on Kargil Vijay Diwas was screened. Students Jannat and Ekta from Portmore School, along with Suhani from Sanskrit College, Phagli, recited patriotic poems, adding to the patriotic atmosphere of the event.

A key highlight of the programme was the interaction with Kargil War veterans, who shared their experiences of the battlefield. They narrated inspiring accounts of the Indian Army’s courage, discipline and dedication while facing extreme challenges during the conflict. Their stories further reinforced the spirit of national service and patriotism among the youth and citizens present.

Chandigarh: Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann on Sunday paid tribute to soldiers who laid down their lives in the 1999 Kargil War, reaffirming the state’s commitment to serving personnel, ex-servicemen and the families of fallen heroes while urging young people to join the armed forces.Marking Kargil Vijay Diwas at the War Memorial, Mann laid a wreath, paid floral tributes to the fallen heroes and observed a two-minute silence after the sounding of the Last Post. He also met families of the fallen heroes and ex-servicemen, distributed five two-wheelers to differently abled veterans and interacted with NCC cadets and cadets of the Maharaja Ranjit Singh Armed Forces Preparatory Institute and Mai Bhago Armed Forces Preparatory Institute.

Recalling that 527 soldiers, including more than 65 from Punjab, were killed in the conflict, Mann said, “Soldiers who lay down their lives for the nation do not belong only to their families; they belong to the entire country.”Calling military service one of the noblest callings, the chief minister urged young cadets to serve the nation. “Serving the nation through the armed forces is among the noblest callings. I urge our young cadets to dedicate themselves to this great cause,” he said.Defence services welfare minister Mohinder Bhagat, senior armed forces officers, ex-servicemen and families of the fallen heroes were present at the ceremony.

Vajra Corps today observed the 27th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas with profound solemnity and military traditions, paying rich tributes to the exceptional bravery and ultimate sacrifice of the brave soldiers of the Indian Army during the 1999 Operation Vijay. 

The anniversary proceedings culminated in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Vajra Shaurya Sthal in Jalandhar, which was attended by veterans and serving personnel, among others. Floral wreaths were placed by the General Officer Commanding (GOC), Vajra Corps, Lt Gen Amit Kabthiyal, YSM, SM, GOC 11 Corps, as well as others present to honour the martyrs.

Addressing the gathering, GOC Lt Gen Amit Kabthiyal, YSM, SM, GOC 11 Corps, recounted the unparalleled fortitude displayed by soldiers during the Kargil War and reiterated the resolve of the Armed Forces to support the next of kin of the martyrs. He exhorted all ranks to draw motivation from this noble legacy and preserve the rich heritage of the Indian Army and the honour of the National Flag. 

IndiaNews Portal

Celebrated across the nation every year on July 26, Kargil Vijay Diwas marks the decisive triumph of the Indian Armed Forces in 1999, when soldiers overcame hostile high-altitude terrain, freezing climates, and fortified enemy positions to successfully evict intruders from Indian soil.

R

The commemorative events by Vajra Corps served as a poignant reminder of the price paid for freedom, reinforcing the soldierly oath to never forget, never forgive, and remain permanently vigilant to safeguard the nation with absolute resolve.