Senior socialist leader and prominent Gandhian Tej Lal Bharti urges Delhi Muslims to help reconstitute the management of the orphan home linked to Hakim Ajmal Khan
NEW DELHI — Senior socialist leader and prominent Gandhian Tej Lal Bharti has called upon Muslims of Delhi, in particular, to come forward to revive the Bachchon Ka Ghar (Children’s Home) in Delhi’s Daryaganj, a memorial linked to Masih-ul-Mulk Hakim Ajmal Khan, saying the institution holds deep value for the community and the country.
President of Hakim Ajmal Khan Forum for Peace and Communal Harmony, and Chairman of Arya Samaj Anathalaya and Bachchon Ka Ghar (Daryaganj), New Delhi
Speaking to Clarion India, Bharti, also President of the Hakim Ajmal Khan Forum for Peace and Communal Harmony and Chairman of Arya Samaj Anathalaya and Bachchon Ka Ghar, said the orphanage had suffered due to the absence of an effective management committee for a long period.
“Bachchon Ka Ghar is not just a memorial of Hakim Ajmal Khan. It is a national asset,” Bharti said. “Sadly, because the management committee has not been properly formed for years, the institution could not work in the way it should.”
He appealed to people, especially Muslims in the capital, to take part in the process of rebuilding the management through voluntary membership. “If people join with a sincere spirit, poor and helpless orphans will gain much more from this institution,” he said.
Bharti said the home already has proper arrangements for education and basic training of children, but stronger public involvement is needed to make it fully active again. “This place was meant to serve children who have no support. That aim must be restored,” he added.
Highlighting the legacy of Masih-ul-Mulk Hakim Ajmal Khan, Bharti said Delhi had rarely seen a leader of his stature. “Hakim Ajmal Khan worked not only for Muslims. He also worked for non-Muslims,” he said. “This is why he was respected by Hindus and Muslims alike and was known as a strong voice for national unity.”
He said remembering Hakim Ajmal Khan should not be limited to words or ceremonies. “Looking after institutions linked to him, like Bachchon Ka Ghar, is the real way to honour his life and service,” Bharti said.
Community members said the appeal carries special weight at a time when many welfare institutions are struggling. One social worker from Old Delhi said, “If Muslims of Delhi come together for this cause, it will help children and also protect an important part of our shared history.”
The call has opened a fresh discussion on the role of Indian Muslims in safeguarding charitable institutions founded by national leaders, with many hoping that the Bachchon Ka Ghar will soon return to its original purpose of caring for the most vulnerable children of society.
