Faridabad-based Manav Rachna Educational Institutions (MREI) on September 16 solemnly observed the 12th Remembrance Day of its visionary Founder Chancellor, Dr. O.P. Bhalla, with a series of impactful initiatives aimed at advancing education and social welfare.
The commemoration was marked by the launch of ‘Shiksha Ka Deep’, a scholarship program designed to bridge the higher education participation gap for meritorious students from Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) and raise Faridabad’s Gross Enrollment Ratio to 50% by 2035.
The ceremony, held in the presence of Shri Vipul Goel, Minister for Revenue & Disaster Management, Urban Local Bodies, and Civil Aviation, Haryana, brought together senior leaders of MREI including Dr. Prashant Bhalla, President; Dr. Amit Bhalla, Vice President; Dr. Satya Bhalla, Chief Patron; and Dr. N.C. Wadhwa, Director-General & Vice-Chairperson of the Dr. O.P. Bhalla Foundation.
Addressing the gathering, Shri Goel lauded the institution’s commitment to community service. “Initiatives such as the Dr. O.P. Bhalla Foundation bring together NGOs, industry leaders, and citizens to support education, healthcare, and community welfare. By dedicating ourselves to service and fostering a culture of giving, we can strengthen our communities and work towards India’s vision of becoming a Vishwaguru by 2047,” he said.
The ‘Shiksha Ka Deep’ initiative will empower students from government schools, rural areas, and urban slums by removing financial barriers, supporting school-to-college transitions, promoting female education, and enhancing employability through work-study programs, vocational training, and mentorship.
Reflecting on Dr. O.P. Bhalla’s legacy, Dr. Satya Bhalla said, “He believed in empowering communities and creating opportunities for all. His vision continues through initiatives that transform lives.” Dr. Prashant Bhalla added, “With the support of the Manav Rachna family, we are carrying forward his legacy through programs like ‘Ek Mutthi Daan,’ which this year collected 37,000 kilograms of grains for the needy, and scholarships worth over ₹69 crores provided to students over the years.”
Reinforcing this vision, Dr. N.C. Wadhwa noted that the Foundation continues to drive initiatives in education, healthcare, and social welfare that address critical needs and impact countless lives.
The commemoration also featured large-scale community drives. A Mega Blood Donation Camp, inaugurated by Shri Vipul Goel, collected 1,857 units of blood, while 331 individuals pledged organ donation and 451 registered for blood stem cell donation in collaboration with the DATRI Foundation. The Ek Mutthi Daan campaign, which has now collected a cumulative 1,86,000 kilograms of grains, further underscored MREI’s commitment to social philanthropy and food security.
Through these initiatives, Manav Rachna Educational Institutions reaffirmed their dedication to carrying forward Dr. O.P. Bhalla’s vision of inclusive growth, service to society, and nation-building through education and community empowerment.