A Beacon of Hope: My Mother, Satnam Kaur's Support for Cancer Patients and Their Families at Mumbai's Gurudwaras

At 85, my mother, Satnam Kaur , embodies resilience and compassion. A teacher at heart, she previously shaped young minds at Udayachal School in Vikhroli, nurturing her innate ability to guide and inspire. Every Sunday, she dedicates her time to those affected by cancer at Gurudwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha Dadar and Gurudwara Pant Nagar in Mumbai. These gurudwaras are not just places of worship but sanctuaries providing critical support and accommodation to patients and their families coming from afar for treatment.

Gurudwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha Dadar

Initiated by Sardar Joginder Singh Bhalla, whom my mother knows personally, the Dadar Gurudwara currently hosts around 300 patients. Recognizing the extensive needs of these families, the facility allows patients to bring 2-3 relatives with them. With options ranging from basic to air-conditioned rooms, the accommodation fees vary from Rs 150 to Rs 1100 per day. This noble effort is supported by various NGOs and TATA MEMORIAL HOSPITAL , offering services like blood and urine tests, alongside health education and awareness. The gurudwara also provides two meals a day, thrice-daily tea, and breakfast, accommodating patients typically for 1-2 months.

My mother, Satnam Kaur, visits not only with words of hope and faith but also never goes empty-handed. She brings thoughtful gifts like biscuits, pens, and pads, small acts of kindness that mean a great deal to those receiving treatment and their families. These gestures, sponsored by Pragati Software Pvt Ltd —the company I lead—are a part of our commitment to support this noble cause. Furthermore, members of our admin department accompany her on these visits, ensuring her safety and comfort. Pragati Software also handles all travel arrangements for these visits.

Pant Nagar Gurudwara, Ghatkopar

Under the stewardship of Sardar Balvinder Singh Sandhu, who has dedicated eight years to this cause, Pant Nagar Gurudwara houses 56 beds for patients from regions as diverse as Nepal, Bangladesh, Jharkhand, West Bengal, and Jammu and Kashmir. The facility offers both AC and non-AC rooms at costs ranging from Rs 400 to Rs 1100. Patients, who often arrive in dire financial conditions, receive concessions and are provided with langar twice a day, tea thrice daily, and a hearty breakfast on weekends.

Both gurudwaras exemplify the teachings of Guru Nanak through their commitment to 'sewa' (selfless service). The involvement of my mother, supported by the team at Pragati Software, is driven by her own journey through cancer, her lifelong passion for teaching, and her unwavering faith in the power of hope and spiritual support. Her story and the stories of those she helps are powerful reminders of the impact one person can have in making a difference.

As we share this narrative of compassion and community support, let us acknowledge and appreciate the incredible individuals like Sardar Joginder Singh Bhalla and Sardar Balvinder Singh Sandhu, whose efforts provide more than just medical care—they offer a home away from home for those in need.