STORIES AT CAPTAIN TPS GILL MEMORIAL CARE & SUPPORT HOME

There are moments in life when we find ourselves standing beside someone we have never known, yet in that silence, in that fragile moment, our souls meet in ways words can never explain. At Palliative Peace, I have often witnessed — and sometimes been part of — last rites performed not for a family member, not for a loved one I grew up with, but for an unknown soul whose journey had ended quietly, without familiar hands to hold them.

It is in these moments that compassion becomes more than a virtue — it becomes an act of humanity that binds us together beyond blood, beyond identity, beyond the visible connections we usually recognize.

Many are touched when they hear these stories, because they remind us of something we often forget: love and care are not reserved only for those we call “our own.” Sometimes, they flow most purely when we extend them to strangers — the abandoned, the forgotten, the unseen. In that act, an unknown soul becomes known, not because of their name, but because of the dignity we choose to honor them with.

At Palliative Peace, this is what guides us — compassion, empathy, and a deep sense of understanding of human relations that often stretch beyond the realms of comprehension. We meet people at their most vulnerable — when pain strips away all pretenses, when even the strongest are reduced to whispers. And in that moment, our role is not just medical. It is spiritual, emotional, deeply human.

We are always in search of souls. Not because we know them, but because, at some level, they already belong to us. Sometimes, it is the soul lying on the deathbed, waiting to be held as they take their last breath. Sometimes, it is the grieving family, searching for comfort in the unbearable. And sometimes, it is the living — those who come to us not dying of disease, but of despair, of loneliness, of burdens too heavy to carry.

To each of them, we try to show another dimension — that life, even in its final chapters, can hold dignity, tenderness, and meaning.

I have learned that the unknown is never truly unknown. Every soul carries a reflection of us. Every encounter is an invitation to look beyond ourselves and to discover a greater kinship with humanity.

And so, when we perform last rites for a stranger, when we hold the hand of someone who may not remember our name, when we sit in silence with a family shattered by loss — we are, in fact, weaving unseen threads of connection. We are telling the world: you are not alone, you are not forgotten, you are loved, even in your final breath.

That is the essence of Palliative Peace. That is the gift these unknown souls leave behind for us — a reminder that compassion is eternal, and that every act of love outlives death itself.

Her name, Ramwali (Ram, the Lord and wali – his), such a  beautiful soul who never spoke a word to me,  but I understand every vibration coming from deep corners  of her soul.  aToday, a woman arrived at our hospice—fragile, exhausted, and carrying the weight of a long, painful journey. She has advanced breast cancer. Her body has endured more than most could imagine, and her spirit, though weary, still flickers with quiet strength.

She came from a single-room dwelling where seven family members live shoulder to shoulder. Migrant workers with no documents, no safety net, and yet—somehow—they managed to get her treated. Their love was fierce, even if their means were few. When we entered her room, the air was heavy with the scent of her wound, but heavier still was the silence of suffering.

Her husband, a daily wage laborer, stood by her side. Her daughter clutched her hand. They were hesitant to bring her to us—afraid, perhaps, of letting go, or of what “hospice” might mean. But when I spoke to them about dignity, about the sacredness of end-of-life care, something shifted. They saw that this wasn’t abandonment. It was love, in its most tender form.

And so, she came.

Tonight, she sleeps like a baby—pain-free, wrapped in clean sheets, surrounded by people who see her not as a diagnosis, but as a soul. Her agony has softened into rest. Her suffering has been met with compassion.

At home, she lived in a world of chaos and discomfort. Here, she is held. We don’t have fancy walls or expensive machines. But we have warmth. We have silence that listens. We have hands that hold without judgment. And we have the promise that no one will die alone, unloved, or unseen.

This is what palliative care means to us. It’s not just medicine—it’s humanity. It’s the quiet revolution of treating every life as sacred, even in its final chapter.

To her family: thank you for trusting us.

To her: may you continue to rest in peace, and may your final days be filled with the dignity you always deserved.

To all who read this: remember, healing doesn’t always mean curing. Sometimes, it means creating a space where suffering ends and peace begins.

As Gurpreet toddled around the room, his infectious laughter echoing through the halls, Nawami couldn't help but feel a profound sense of purpose. She had dedicated her life to providing comfort and dignity to those facing life's final chapter, and moments like these filled her with an unwavering determination to make every day count.iative Peace, added an extra sparkle to the occasion.

Nawami's heart overflowed with gratitude as she gazed upon the smiling faces around her. Her colleagues, who had become her extended family, showered her with heartfelt wishes and warm embraces. The walls of the hospice were adorned with colorful drawings and heartfelt messages, each a testament to the love and joy that filled the air.

As Gurpreet toddled around the room, his infectious laughter echoing through the halls, Nawami couldn't help but feel a profound sense of purpose. She had dedicated her life to providing comfort and dignity to those facing life's final chapter, and moments like these filled her with an unwavering determination to make everyday count.

With each passing hour, the celebration transformed into a kaleidoscope of beautiful memories. Nawami shared stories of Gurpreet's mischievous antics and his remarkable resilience. The room erupted in laughter and tears, as family and friends cherished the precious moments they had together.

As the evening drew to a close, Nawami couldn't shake the feeling that, despite the circumstances, this was a birthday filled with immeasurable joy and love. She had found a home away from home at Palliative Peace, surrounded by individuals who shared her unwavering commitment to making a difference in the lives of others.

And as the last candle flickered out, Nawami knew that Nawami would forever treasure this first birthday away from home. It was a day filled with love, laughter, and the unwavering spirit of hope that permeated every corner of Palliative Peace. 

Gurpreet, our precious little three-year-old patient, holds a special place in the hearts of everyone at Palliative Peace. When he first arrived at PGIMER in Chandigarh, he was in a coma after sustaining a severe head injury. Our team at Palliative Peace provided him with the utmost care and compassion, doing everything we could to make him comfortable and support his family during that difficult time. We were overjoyed when Gurpreet regained consciousness and started showing signs of recovery. He became our first patient at Palliative Peace Chandigarh, and we were honored to continue providing him with the care he needed. Gurpreet's journey has been filled with challenges, but he has faced them all with incredible strength and resilience. He is a true inspiration to everyone who knows him, and we are so proud of the progress he has made. Now, as our first patient at Capt. TPS Gill Memorial Care, Gurpreet received the best possible care. We were committed to providing him with a safe and loving environment where he could continue to grow and thrive. We are so grateful for the opportunity to be a part of Gurpreet's life, and we will continue to do everything we can to support him and his family on their journey. 

Babita's story is one of resilience and hope. She was found abandoned on the streets, unknown and mentally challenged, suffering from tuberculosis. Her condition was critical, and she was brought to Capt. TPS Gill Memorial Care, where our team of dedicated professionals provided her with the utmost care and compassion. Babita's journey has been filled with challenges, but she has faced them all with incredible strength. She has made remarkable progress since arriving at our facility, and we are so proud of her. Babita is now able to communicate her needs, and she loves to spend time with the staff and other patients. She is a bright and cheerful young woman, and she brings joy to everyone who knows her. We are committed to providing Babita with a safe and loving environment where she can continue to grow and thrive. She is a part of our family now, and we will continue to do everything we can to support her on her journey. 

 Avtar Singh Cheema, the founder of Palliative Peace, received the prestigious Molly Dam Award for excellence in Palliation in Resource-Poor Settings. This award is a testament to Cheema's dedication to providing palliative care to those who need it most. Palliative Peace is also impressed that Dr. Abhijit Dam, the founder of Kosish and President of the International Death Doula Foundation, personally visited Punjab to present the award to Cheema. This shows the high esteem in which Cheema and his work are held by the palliative care community. We hope that Cheema's work will continue to inspire others to provide palliative care to those who need it most. It is also heartwarming to know that Dr. Dam, a renowned figure in the palliative care world, took the time to personally visit Punjab and present the award to Cheema. This demonstrates Dr. Dam's commitment to supporting palliative care providers in resource-poor settings. We are confident that Cheema and Dr. Dam will continue to make a significant contribution to the field of palliative care. 

Palliative Peace and Kosish Join Forces to Improve Palliative Care in Rural India Palliative Peace (Punjab) and Kosish (Jharkhand) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate in the field of palliative care in rural India. The two organizations share a common goal of providing high-quality palliative care to those who need it most, regardless of where they live. Through this partnership, Palliative Peace and Kosish will: 

Share knowledge and expertise in palliative care. 

Develop and implement innovative palliative care models. 

Advocate for improved access to palliative care services in rural areas. 

Train and educate healthcare professionals in palliative care. “

We are excited to partner with Kosish on this important initiative,” said Avtar Singh Cheema, founder of Palliative Peace. “Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those who need it most, especially in rural areas where access to palliative care is often limited.” “This MoU is a significant step forward for palliative care in rural India,” said Dr. Abhijit Dam, founder of Kosish. “By working together, we can strengthen the palliative care movement and improve the quality of life for patients and their families in rural communities.” The signing of the MoU took place on [date] at the Capt. TPS Gill Memorial Care & Support Home in Punjab. Representatives from both organizations were present, including Avtar Singh Cheema, Dr. Abhijit Dam, and other members of the Palliative Peace and Kosish teams. This partnership is a testament to the growing recognition of the importance of palliative care in rural India. Palliative care is a specialized field of medicine that focuses on improving the quality of life for patients with serious illnesses. Palliative care can help to relieve pain and other symptoms, provide emotional support, and help patients and their families cope with the challenges of serious illness. Palliative Peace and Kosish are two of the leading palliative care organizations in India. Palliative Peace provides palliative care services to patients in Punjab, while Kosish provides palliative care services to patients in Jharkhand. Both organizations are committed to providing high-quality, compassionate care to their patients, regardless of their location. This partnership between Palliative Peace and Kosish is a positive step forward for palliative care in rural India. By working together, the two organizations can make a significant impact on the lives of patients and their families in rural communities. 

Palliative Peace Rescues Abandoned Cancer Patient from Chandigarh Hospital

Palliative Peace rescued a 72-year-old man named Babbu Lal from Chandigarh PGIMER. Babbu Lal was suffering from oral cancer and had been abandoned by his family. He was found in a very weak and neglected condition.

The Palliative Peace team brought Babbu Lal to the Capt. TPS Gill Memorial Care & Support Home in Punjab, where he received palliative care . Palliative care is a specialized field of medicine that focuses on improving the quality of life for patients with serious illnesses. Palliative care can help to relieve pain and other symptoms, provide emotional support, and help patients and their families cope with the challenges of serious illness.

Babbu Lal was  very grateful to the Palliative Peace team for rescuing him and providing him with care. He said, "I was abandoned by my family and left to die. But the Palliative Peace team came to my rescue and gave me a new lease on life. I am so grateful for their care and compassion."

unfortunately, Babbu Lal passed away in the comfort of his home after his relatives were found by the team of Palliative Peace.  He stayed with us for three months.

The Palliative Peace team is committed to providing high-quality palliative care to all patients, regardless of their background or circumstances. The team is also committed to raising awareness of palliative care and advocating for improved access to palliative care services.

Babbu Lal's story is a reminder of the importance of palliative care. Palliative care can make a significant difference in the lives of patients with serious illnesses and their families. 

In the tapestry of our vast countryside, where rolling hills meet sprawling fields, there are often communities that are forgotten, their struggles hidden from the bustling cities. Poverty, lack of infrastructure, and limited access to healthcare can create significant challenges for rural villagers, leaving them vulnerable to preventable illnesses.

Palliative Peace, a beacon of hope in the face of adversity, is working tirelessly to change this narrative. Through regular health checkups, Palliative Peace is bringing essential medical services to the doorsteps of villagers, empowering them to take control of their health.

Early Intervention: Key to Better Health

Palliative Peace recognizes the importance of early intervention in preventing and managing chronic diseases. By conducting health checkups at the earlier stages of project initiation, the team can identify potential health risks and provide timely interventions. This proactive approach can help prevent the development of serious illnesses and improve the overall health and well-being of villagers.

Comprehensive Health Checkups

Palliative Peace's health checkups are comprehensive and include a range of essential medical services, such as:

* Blood pressure monitoring

* Blood sugar monitoring

* Pulse and SpO2 monitoring

* Weight measurement

* Health education and counseling

These services are provided by a team of dedicated healthcare professionals and volunteers who are committed to treating every patient with compassion and respect.

Building Trust and Collaboration

Palliative Peace's approach is centered around building trust and collaboration with the communities they serve. The team works closely with local leaders and community members to understand their specific healthcare needs and develop culturally appropriate interventions.

By involving the community in the planning and implementation of health checkups, Palliative Peace ensures that the services are tailored to the unique needs of each village. This participatory approach fosters a sense of ownership and empowers villagers to take charge of their own health.

A Lifeline for Rural Villages

Palliative Peace's health checkups are a lifeline for rural villagers, providing them with access to essential medical services that would otherwise be unavailable. Through early intervention and comprehensive care, Palliative Peace is making a tangible difference in the lives of countless individuals, empowering them to live healthier, more fulfilling lives. 

Recitation at Palliative Peace Center Uplifts Morale of Patients and Loved Ones In the tranquil setting of the Palliative Peace Center, amidst the soft glow of lamps and the gentle scent of incense, the recitation of Gurbani fills the air with a sense of serenity and hope. This sacred Sikh scripture, with its timeless wisdom and profound teachings, has become an integral part of the center's holistic approach to end-of-life care. Regular Gurbani recitals at the Palliative Peace Center have a profound impact on both patients and their loved ones. The melodious chanting of hymns, accompanied by the rhythmic beat of the tabla, creates a deeply meditative atmosphere that helps to calm the mind and soothe the soul. For patients facing the challenges of a life-limiting illness, the recitation of Gurbani provides spiritual comfort and solace. The words of the Gurus offer reassurance, reminding them of their connection to the divine and the impermanence of all things. Through Gurbani, patients find strength and acceptance, enabling them to navigate the uncertainties of their journey with greater peace and dignity. For loved ones gathered at the bedside, the recitation of Gurbani provides a sense of community and shared purpose. As they listen to the hymns together, they find solace in the collective experience of grief and loss. The Gurbani reminds them of the spiritual bond that transcends physical separation and offers hope for a future reunion beyond the confines of this world. The Palliative Peace Center has witnessed countless stories of how the recitation of Gurbani has uplifted the spirits of patients and their families. The recitation of Gurbani at the Palliative Peace Center is not merely a religious ritual; it is a profound expression of love, compassion, and spiritual care. Through the timeless teachings of the Sikh Gurus, patients and their loved ones find comfort, strength, and a deeper understanding of life's journey. As the sun sets and the stars twinkle above the Palliative Peace Center, the recitation of Gurbani continues to resonate in the hearts of those who gather within its walls. It is a sacred sound that heals, uplifts, and reminds us all of the enduring power of the human spirit. 

In the tranquil confines of the Palliative Peace Center, Neeraj, a young man grappling with a life-limiting illness, found solace in the pages of a book. "Walk with the Weary," penned by Dr. M.R. Rajagopal, the esteemed founder of Pallium India, became his constant companion, offering him comfort and guidance during his challenging journey. As Neeraj delved into the pages of the book, Dr. Rajagopal's words resonated deeply within his heart. He found himself drawn to the stories of other patients and their families, who had faced similar trials and tribulations. Through their experiences, Neeraj realized that he was not alone in his suffering and that there was hope amidst the darkness. Dr. Rajagopal's writing had a profound impact on Neeraj's perspective. It taught him the importance of living each day to the fullest, cherishing the simple moments, and finding joy in the little things. The book also emphasized the significance of human connection and the power of love in overcoming adversity. Neeraj found himself reflecting on his own life, the relationships that mattered most to him, and the things that truly brought him happiness. Inspired by Dr. Rajagopal's message of compassion and empathy, Neeraj made a conscious effort to connect with others around him. He shared his experiences with fellow patients, offering words of encouragement and support. He spent quality time with his family and friends, expressing his love and gratitude for their presence in his life. "Walk with the Weary" became more than just a book to Neeraj; it became a beacon of hope, a source of strength, and a reminder of the human spirit's resilience. As his days at the Palliative Peace Center drew to a close, Neeraj felt a profound sense of peace and acceptance. He had found meaning in his suffering and had touched the lives of others in a meaningful way. With Dr. Rajagopal's words etched in his heart, Neeraj faced his final days with courage and dignity, surrounded by the love of his family and friends. In the end, Neeraj's journey became a testament to the transformative power of human connection and the enduring legacy of Dr. Rajagopal's work. Through the pages of "Walk with the Weary," Neeraj had found solace, hope, and the strength to walk with the weary even in his own time of need. 

In the calming haven of the Palliative Peace Center, Ramu, a 36-year-old daily wager, found solace and strength amidst his physical challenges. Despite losing both of his arms and one of his legs in a tragic train accident, Ramu's spirit remained unyielding. With no family or friends to care for him, he had found a home at the center, where he was surrounded by compassionate caregivers and fellow patients who understood his struggles. As the sun began its descent each evening, casting a warm glow over the center, Ramu would gather with other patients in the common room. Together, they would recite Waheguru Simran, a Sikh prayer that translates to "remembering God." Ramu's voice is very powerful, carrying a profound sense of devotion and longing. His unwavering faith in God gave him the strength to face his challenges with courage and grace. Ramu's Simran sessions became a beacon of hope for other terminally ill patients at the center. His gentle voice and infectious spirit uplifted their hearts and reminded them of the power of faith and the importance of finding solace in the face of adversity. Through his unwavering devotion, Ramu became a source of inspiration for all who knew him. The staff at the center marveled at his resilience and his ability to find joy even in the most difficult of circumstances. They witnessed firsthand the transformative power of his Simran sessions, and they made sure to create a peaceful and conducive environment for him and other patients to practice their faith. Ramu's story is a testament to the human spirit's indomitable nature. Despite losing so much, he found a way to rise above his physical limitations and live a life filled with purpose and meaning. Through his daily Simran practice, he not only found solace for himself but also became a beacon of hope for others, reminding them of the power of faith and the importance of finding light in the darkest of times. 

In the heart of the Palliative Peace Center, amidst the soft glow of twinkling lights and the sweet scent of marigolds, we celebrated our first Diwali with our end-of-life care patients. It was a Diwali unlike any other, filled with love, laughter, and a profound sense of gratitude.

Our patients, each with their own unique stories and challenges, gathered in the common room, their faces adorned with bright smiles and anticipation. The staff had worked tirelessly to create a festive atmosphere, decorating the room with colorful lanterns, rangoli designs, and fragrant flowers.

As the evening progressed, we shared stories, sang songs, and exchanged laughter. The air crackled with a sense of joy and camaraderie that transcended our physical limitations. For a brief moment, our worries and pain seemed to melt away, replaced by a shared sense of celebration and belonging.

One of our patients, a young man named Ramu, had always loved Diwali. He spoke of his childhood memories of lighting diyas with his family and the joy of bursting firecrackers. Though he was now confined to a wheelchair, his spirit shone brighter than ever.

"This Diwali is different," he said, his eyes sparkling with unshed tears. "But it is still special. I am surrounded by people who care for me, and that is the greatest gift of all."

As the night reached its peak, we lit diyas and placed them around the room, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness. We watched as the flames flickered and danced, casting a warm glow on our faces. In that moment, we felt a profound sense of peace and gratitude.

Our first Diwali at the Capt. TPS Gill Center Memorial Care & Support Home run by Palliative Peace was a testament to the human spirit's indomitable nature. Even in the face of illness and adversity, we found joy and meaning in the simple act of sharing and celebrating together. The festival of lights reminded us that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope and that love and compassion can illuminate our path.