The International Hospitality Council (IHC) in association with the International Institute of Hotel Management(IIHM) organized and celebrated International Hospitality Day. The three main objectives of the hospitality council are to Celebrate ,Promote and Educate Hospitality. In spite of the prevailing pandemic, the 7th International Hospitality Day was celebrated with much vigor and enthusiasm with a Celebratory function in more than 80 cities of the world.
Mr Satnam Singh Ahluwalia was awarded in recognition of his outstanding contribution in the field of Hospitality and Social Work, by the International Hospitality Council - "Hospitality with a Cause" award on the occasion of the 7th International Hospitality Day, 2022.
The entire Hospitality Industry was present on this occasion to celebrate this day.
From the very first day of the Lockdown induced by the Covid 19 pandemic, Satnam Singh Ahluwalia and his team of volunteers at IHA Foundation were on the streets of the city under the initiative of Project Zero Hunger- Langar on Wheels which is continued day and night where IHA Foundation under his able guidance has been able to serve more than 37 Lakh meals continuously with a pledge that no one shall sleep Hungry. The concept of Langar of Wheels is to serve meals to all, regardless of caste, class, religion, gender, social or economic status. Langar on Wheels has continued their selfless service outside Hospitals, Railway Stations, Bus Stands during the various Lockdowns.
During the second wave of the Pandemic Satnam Singh Ahluwalia and his team set up Free Oxygen Camps in different parts of Kolkata (Behala Gurdwara, Solo Aana Masjid, Sacred Heart Church), with a mission to ensure that Kolkata never stops breathing where he saved more than 6185 lives, and refilled more than 9732 oxygen cylinders free of cost. The Free Oxygen Langar Sewa Camp along with providing free oxygen facility to the affected also provided them with Free Medical Assistance and Guidance by Critical Care Specialist Doctor served more than 8698 persons. IHA Foundation also provided Free Covid medicines as prescribed by the Doctors to the needy who could not afford the expensive Covid related medicine and vitamins to more than 11265 people. A Free Vaccination camp for 18+ was also organized for the underprivileged and needy inoculating more than 3063 persons. He was given the title of “Oxygen Man of Kolkata” for his relentless effort to ensure that Kolkata does not stop breathing during the Pandemic.
“Manav di Seva, Param Dharam" (Service to Humanity is the Highest Religion) is the core motto that has been driving us. From the time of Lockdown imposed last year we have been serving food to the needy and underprivileged through our Langar on Wheels initiative. During the second wave of Covid19 our mission was to keep Kolkata Breathing and we started Free Oxygen Langar Sewa Camps with this is mind. We have been serving and striving to serve mankind, and shall continue to do so. Our mission is to reach more and more persons so that no life is lost, Our first priority is to save lives.”,said Satnam Singh Ahluwalia, Chairman IHA Foundation.
