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Empowering women with hands-on training in stitching and sewing, enabling them to create sustainable livelihoods and financial independence.
Bridging the digital divide by providing computer education, fostering tech skills, and preparing women for diverse career opportunities in the digital world.
Offering comprehensive training in hairdressing and beauty to help women build confidence, self-reliance, and entrepreneurial capabilities in the beauty industry.
Lal Chand Memorial Centre is an NGO, based in Jalandhar, India. Established in 2013, we have worked extensively to empower women from the less fortunate sector of the community. We have seen many of them go through our programmes, become self sufficient by finding work thus enabling them to support their families.
Nana Ji was born on 13th April 1937 in Jandali near Phagwara in Punjab, at his Mother’s family home. He grew up in Hussainpur and was the only brother to five sisters. As a child he was full of energy, often running around the village, outrunning his sisters as they tried to catch him. Out of all the languages he studied, including Urdu, Punjabi, Hindi, and Farsi, he obtained the highest mark in English! At university he attended lectures given by Nehru and Dr Ambedkar.
He married Nani ji in Mehatpur in 1956 aged 19 years old. In the early years of his marriage he worked at the telephone exchange in Fasalka Bangla near the Pakistan Border. In India, my Mum Kanta, Santosh Mama and Ashok Mama were born; sadly Ashok passed away aged 1 year old. In 1962 Nana ji came to the UK to set up home for his family. A year later he was joined by his wife and two young children in Wolverhampton.
The early years in Wolverhampton were a struggle but the community spirit made things easier. Nana ji worked as a bus driver here. Lata Masee was born in 1965 and Sarita Masee in 1967. These years were full of trips to sea-sides in big groups and lots of prantha on the beach. He was never short of company, people always popping in and havng a glass of Black Label with him.
The next significant phase of his life was the birth of his grandchildren, of which he had nine. He was proud of each and every one of them. In 1990 he was overjoyed with the birth of his grandson, Aaron, son of Santosh Mama. He travelled to places he had read about in books and was very keen to visit Venice, which he did. He also travelled to Spain, Rome, and Paris, and went home to India as often he could. He loved horse racing and was often found at the ‘office’ (the bookies!).
In his last days he spoke often of his joy of seeing his grandson get married in August last year. He spoke fondly and with great pride about his Wife, Children and grandchildren and their achievements. He said ‘Family is such a wonderful thing’. Even in the last week of his life, when asked if he needed anything or if he was ok, he replied ‘Iam alright Beta’. He faced his final days with courage and without fear. He never once complained about his pain, but was concerned about his nearest and dearest. His advice to us all was to enjoy every aspect of our lives and be happy.
Nana ji sadly passed away on 16th May 2010. The day was Akshaya Tritiya (The Golden Day), considered the most auspicious day of the Hindu Calandar. It is believed any meaningful activity started on this day would be fruitful. This day is ideal for beginning new ventures or long journeys. Akshaya Tritya falls on the day when the Sun and the Moon are simultaneously at their peakof brightness, which happens once every year.The word ‘akshya’ means enternal - that which never diminishes. Our love and memories of him wll never diminish. Nani ji wanted to add that Nana Ji started his journey to marry her on a Tuesday and is leaving her on a Tuesday. However, he will never leave our thoughts or our hearts. He is now at peace and we place him in God’s hands.
