Most of us are aware that there are a large number of individuals and institutions spread over throughout the country serving their fellowmen, under very difficult conditions in their self-chosen task of acting as good Samaritans. These individuals and institutions faced many hardships, physical or otherwise, apart from the fact that there are not many who are willing to come forward to encourage and assist them. A larger number of people ridicule them as mere do gooders chasing recognition and rewards. Our countrymen, as a rule, are slow to recognize merit or initiative let alone reward them. In the circumstances it is not at all surprising that those who are engaged in serving their fellowmen, without any consideration of rewards, feel disheartened and more often then not discontinue the good work.

This apart, others who may be inclined to undertake similar projects for helping the needy, feel discouraged and give up the idea. The result is that there are still large areas in the country, not only in the remote areas, which continue to be neglected, the population therein suffering for want of basic facilities in the social sector namely education, public health, good drinking water and the like. Even the existence of the institutions and individuals serving their fellowmen rarely come to the knowledge of the public or governmental bodies.

Shri Sugalchand Jain and a few of his friends felt that something should be done to ensure that this clan of good Samaritans are identified, nurtured and encouraged not only with a view to focus public attention on their activities, but also to encourage others to take up community and social services as a worthwhile exercise.