In a significant development for human rights advocacy in northern India, veteran activist Jitender Singh Shunty officially assumed his position as a member of both the Punjab State Human Rights Commission and the Chandigarh (UT) Human Rights Commission on Wednesday.
A Lifetime of Humanitarian Service
Bringing over three decades of dedicated social work to his new role, Shunty stands as a towering figure in humanitarian circles. He is the founder of the renowned Shaheed Bhagat Singh Sewa Dal, an organization that has become synonymous with compassionate service across the region.
The organization's most notable work involves performing dignified last rites for abandoned and underprivileged individuals who have no one to claim their bodies. This sacred service has touched thousands of lives, providing closure and respect to those who might otherwise be forgotten.
Remarkable Contributions During Crisis
Shunty's commitment to human dignity became particularly visible during the COVID-19 pandemic, when fear and uncertainty gripped the nation. His organization emerged as a beacon of hope, performing final rites for over 4,200 COVID-19 victims when many families were unable or afraid to come forward.
Beyond this solemn duty, his team provided critical ambulance and relief services to more than 10,000 COVID-19 patients, often working at great personal risk. These extraordinary efforts during humanity's darkest hours earned him the prestigious Padma Shri award in 2021, one of India's highest civilian honors.
Beyond Last Rites: A Record of Giving
Known affectionately as "Donor Singh" among his admirers, Shunty holds a world record that speaks volumes about his commitment to saving lives. He became the first Sikh to donate blood 106 times, setting an inspiring example for communities worldwide.
Under his leadership, the organization has conducted more than 200 blood donation camps, collecting nearly 50,000 units of blood for those in medical need. This massive effort has undoubtedly saved countless lives and strengthened healthcare infrastructure during emergencies.
Over his remarkable thirty-year journey, Shunty has facilitated the final journey for more than 70,000 deceased persons, ensuring that every individual, regardless of their social or economic status, receives the dignity they deserve in death.
His appointment to the human rights commissions marks a new chapter in his service, bringing his ground-level experience and deep empathy to institutional frameworks dedicated to protecting human dignity.
