Nishkam Sewa Samiti (Regd.), Kotkapura was officially founded on July 13, 2003, by the late Dr. Surinder Kumar Dwivedi, under the guidance of Vijay Kumar Chopra (born January 31, 1932, in Lahore), the Chief Executive Officer and Editor-in-Chief of the Punjab Kesari print news organization. Chopra, deeply involved in social welfare work, was honored with the Padma Shri award in 1990 for his contributions to Literature and Education.
The organization’s primary mission is to provide sustained support to helpless and needy widows through the distribution of free monthly rations and essential household supplies. Initially supporting only 2-3 widows, Nishkam Sewa Samiti (Regd.), Kotkapura has grown over the past 21 years to serve 360 families across Kotkapura, Jaito, and 17 surrounding villages, thanks to the contributions of 560 dedicated members. To date, the Samiti has distributed more than ₹25 million in aid, bringing hope and relief to many.
Dr. Amarjit Singh Marwah, another influential figure in humanitarian work, has also played a significant role alongside Vijay Kumar Chopra in promoting social causes. Known as the founder of the first Sikh Gurdwara in Los Angeles in 1969, Dr. Marwah supported Dalip Singh Saund, the first U.S. Congressman of South Asian descent, in the late 1950s. At the age of 98, Dr. Marwah remains a pioneer in the Sikh community in America and continues to contribute to various charitable causes. Among his many contributions, he founded the KK Marwah Girls College in Faridkot, Punjab, in memory of his wife, Kuljit Kaur Marwah, and also modernized a historical village in Punjab. His generosity has helped countless needy individuals, both in the U.S. and Punjab.
Under the leadership of visionary individuals like Vijay Kumar Chopra and Dr. Amarjit Singh Marwah, Nishkam Sewa Samiti (Regd.), Kotkapura has remained committed to its mission of uplifting vulnerable women through its monthly ration programs, ensuring that no widow or destitute woman in the region goes without basic necessities.
Yashpal Aggarwal (Patron), a respected businessman known for owning one of the largest and oldest marble houses in the region, has been instrumental in the Samiti's success. His selfless dedication, leadership, and unwavering commitment to social service have ensured the consistent execution of the monthly ration programs, making a significant impact on the lives of those in need.
Throughout its journey, the Nishkam Sewa Samiti (Regd.), Kotkapura has remained transparent in its operations, relying solely on contributions from its members without seeking public donations. This transparent and consistent service to the community has earned the organization several recognitions, including a State Award in 2007, and it continues to be praised by local authorities for its outstanding work.
On March 27, 2023, Yashpal Aggarwal (Patron), serving as Sarprast (Patron), praised Nishkam Sewa Samiti (Regd.), Kotkapura, for its dedication and transparency over two decades of service. During the same event, Dr. Surinder Kumar Dwivedi, President of the Samiti, reflected on the organization’s growth from 25 to 358 members and expressed his gratitude to all contributors. Despite planning to step down, Dr. Dwivedi was unanimously re-elected for his 11th consecutive term as president. Tragically, Dr. Dwivedi passed away on December 14, 2023. Following his passing, under the guidance of Vijay Kumar Chopra and Yashpal Aggarwal (Patron), his son Manoj Dwivedi was appointed as the new President of Nishkam Sewa Samiti (Regd.), Kotkapura, ensuring that his father’s legacy of selfless service continues.
Under Manoj Dwivedi's leadership, Nishkam Sewa Samiti (Regd.), Kotkapura continues its mission of uplifting the underprivileged, ensuring that the legacy of compassion and service, established by Dr. Surinder Kumar Dwivedi, thrives and grows.
This milestone represents not only the organization's dedication to serving those in need but also the collective effort of its members, who continue to drive the mission of selfless service forward. Through this program and the contributions of its patrons and members, the Samiti has become a beacon of hope for many, ensuring that compassion and aid are extended to the most vulnerable in society.On October 6, 2024, Nishkam Sewa Samiti (Regd.), Kotkapura will celebrate a significant milestone—its 256th monthly ration distribution program. This event will continue the tradition of delivering essential kitchen supplies to widows and destitute women in Kotkapura, Jaito, and the surrounding villages. A chief guest will flag off vehicles loaded with rations, and, in keeping with the event's spirit of generosity, the guest may adopt widows for monthly support or contribute funds in memory of loved ones. All contributions go directly towards supporting the widows, with no funds ever redirected elsewhere.
