Dr Oberoi’s humanitarian efforts remind us that one person’s dedication can make a world of difference
Dr. Surinderpal Singh Oberoi, a successful entrepreneur turned philanthropist, has become a beacon of hope for Indians stranded in the Gulf. His journey into humanitarian work began in 2011 when 17 Indian nationals were sentenced to death in the UAE over allegations of killing a Pakistani citizen, , reported newindianexpress.com.
The charges were never proven, yet the men faced an uncertain future. Moved by their plight, Dr. Oberoi took swift action, paying $1.4 million in “blood money” to secure their release and safe return to India.
This selfless act marked the beginning of a new chapter in Dr. Oberoi’s life, one focused on rescuing and supporting individuals in need across the Gulf region. Over the years, he has spent more than $2.6 million of his own funds to free around 142 people from various legal and humanitarian predicaments.
Despite the overwhelming demand for help, Dr. Oberoi remains steadfast in his mission. “People keep approaching me for help, and I’m grateful to God to be in a position to reach out and do whatever I can,” he said, recently extending his support to ailing former Bollywood star Rehana Sultan, who found herself in financial distress
As the founder of the Sarbat Da Bhalla Trust, Dr. Oberoi continues to make significant strides in supporting underprivileged communities. His trust provides affordable healthcare services in India, including subsidized dialysis and pathology tests, and extends pension assistance to those in financial need. His outreach goes beyond Indian nationals, as he has helped individuals from countries like Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and the Philippines.
In addition to his work rescuing individuals from prisons, Dr. Oberoi has also been addressing the exploitation of young women trafficked to the Gulf under false pretenses. Many of these women are lured by the promise of legitimate work, only to find themselves sold into domestic servitude and subjected to abuse. Dr. Oberoi has become a vital advocate for their freedom, working tirelessly to reunite them with their families.
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