A heartfelt tribute unfolded in Amritsar as a street was named after the late Chaman Lal Bhalla, commemorating his enduring legacy of philanthropy. The inauguration ceremony united dignitaries, family members, and friends from both India and the United States, celebrating Bhalla’s lifelong dedication to helping the underprivileged, especially children at the Amritsar Institute for the Blind.
Prominent figures, including U.S. Congressman Tom Suozzi, New York Senator Jack Martins, and Assemblyman Charles Lavine, sent video messages praising Bhalla’s humanitarian contributions. The event witnessed a large turnout with hundreds of attendees traveling from across India and the U.S. Former Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Om Parkash Soni graced the occasion as Chief Guest, with Councilor Vikas Soni as Guest of Honor, alongside other notable community leaders.
The ceremony commenced with a solemn yet festive procession led by a traditional bagpipe band, as attendees marched down the narrow street where Bhalla once lived. Upon reaching the newly unveiled milestone named “Chaman Lal Bhalla Lane,” a drone quietly released rose petals that gently showered the crowd, symbolizing a celestial blessing. The ribbon-cutting by Chief Guest Soni was met with applause and reverence, highlighting the deep respect held for Bhalla’s humanitarian spirit.
In recognition of his legacy, the U.S. House of Representatives presented a Citation to Bhalla’s son, Satish, while New York State Senate citations were awarded to other family members. A donation of approximately $600 was made to the Amritsar Institute for the Blind, reinforcing ongoing support for Bhalla’s cause. The Chaman Lal Bhalla Eye Camp, which offers free eye exams and glasses, has benefited over 1,200 individuals since its launch on the 50th anniversary of his passing by Member of Parliament Gurjeet Singh Aujla.
Varinder Bhalla, former Nassau County Commissioner from New York, traveled from the U.S. with his wife, Ratna, who helped establish the eye camps. Varinder, recently honored with a congressional award for his charitable work, emphasized the inspiration drawn from his father’s life. His Delhi-based AWB Food Bank has provided more than 15 million meals and also supports eye care camps in Amritsar.
As the event drew to a close and the last rose petals drifted away, Chaman Lal Bhalla Lane stood as a living monument — a lasting reminder of a life devoted to compassion, service, and uplifting those without a voice.
