Bihar Governor Arif Mohammad Khan on Friday commended the Tamil Nadu government for providing property tax exemption for buildings of non-profit organisations, such as Harijan Sevak Sangh, that work on philanthropic lines for the welfare of the weaker sections and promotion of Indian culture.
Speaking at the dedication of Annapoorna Block of the Harijan Sevak Sangh in the city on Friday, Mr.Arif Mohammad Khan said the new building was necessary to protect the girls in the hostel on McNichols Road during the northeast monsoon floods in Chennai. The girls belonging to the weaker sections from various parts of Tamil Nadu pursue education from the premises which has been developed with support from the corporate sector.Â
Pointing to the incidence of flooding events in Chennai during the Northeast monsoon season, Mr. Arif Mohammad Khan said the girls used to be relocated during the monsoon. “The new building will provide a secure environment for girls in academic pursuit towards upward economic and social mobility,” he said.
Stressing the need for education of women from all sections of the society, Mr. Arif Mohammad Khan said: “If you educate a man, you educate an individual. If you educate a woman you educate a whole family.” Lack of education was the greatest barrier to India’s progress, he said.Â
The Harijan Sevak Sangh was carrying forward the vision of Mahatma Gandhi, educating underprivileged girls, he said. “Much still remains to be done. We need corporate support,” he said.
P. Maruti, State president of Harijan Sevak Sangh said the institution will adopt orphan children across the State to provide education and sensitise them in the values of Indian culture.
Harijan Sevak Sangh national president Sankar Kumar Sanyal said the corporate sector has supported the cause of such organisations. The Governor distributed Harijan Bandhu Awards and unveiled portraits of Nirmala Deshpande, S.R.Subramaniam, K.Rajaram and Ashok Kumar Goel.
Published – August 01, 2025 10:17 pm IST
