Voice of Amritsar (VOA) is a remarkable journey of a passionate group of individuals who came together with a vision to transform their city into a Clean, Green, and Healthy Amritsar. The roots of this extraordinary endeavor are intertwined with the rich history of Amritsar itself.
Amritsar, known as the ‘Spiritual Capital of Punjab,’ was founded in the 16th century by Guru Ram Das, the fourth Sikh Guru. The city’s foundation was marked by the establishment of the holy pool of Amrit Sarovar, around which the Golden Temple, a revered Sikh shrine, was constructed. Amritsar has since held a significant place in the hearts of people worldwide, renowned for its spirituality, culture, and historical significance.
In 2011, as India witnessed a wave of anti-corruption movements, a group of visionary individuals recognized the need for a platform that could address local issues with a focus on Clean, Green, and Healthy living. Dr. Rakesh Sharma, a dedicated Surgeon, for social change, along with Mrs. Indu Arora, Mr. Seenu Arora, Mr. Jasjeet Singh, Dr. Jaspreet Gover, Mr. Vivek Mehra, and Dr. Rakesh Bharti, spearheaded the foundation of Voice of Amritsar. Their combined efforts marked the beginning of a journey towards a better Amritsar.
VOA commenced its mission as a Facebook group, where its founders shared a common goal: to advocate for transparency, environmental sustainability, and public health. They believed in channeling the momentum of the anti-corruption movement towards addressing local challenges. The Facebook group quickly grew in popularity, connecting like-minded individuals who were equally passionate about bringing positive change to their city. Over the years, the group evolved into a formidable community with an active membership of more than 1.5 lakh volunteers.
While some of the original founding members left with time, their vision continued to guide the organization. New members joined, driven by the shared commitment to create a Clean, Green, and Healthy Amritsar. With a core team of 25 dedicated individuals, VOA has engaged in numerous initiatives to address issues related to cleanliness, environmental sustainability, and public health. These initiatives include awareness campaigns, tree planting drives, and advocating for improved healthcare facilities.
Amritsar, a city deeply rooted in history and spirituality, has faced urban development challenges like many other cities. The city’s historical importance, however, aligns well with VOA’s mission. They aim to make Amritsar a model city that respects its cultural heritage while incorporating modern development and preserving the environment.
In the past 12 years, Voice of Amritsar has made significant strides towards this vision. Their unwavering commitment to making Amritsar a Clean, Green, and Healthy city demonstrates the power of community-driven initiatives and their resonance on social media, notably through their Facebook group. Through the group, VOA has been able to engage and mobilize an extensive network of Doctors, Teachers, advocates, Chartered Accountants and Volunteers.
This journey of Voice of Amritsar is a testament to the impact of grassroots movements, social media, and community-driven initiatives in driving positive change. It showcases the transformative power of a united community working together towards a brighter, more sustainable future for their city, Amritsar.