Bhakti Chalak

In a fast-paced city like Pune, where the demands of urban life often leave little time for people to look beyond their immediate concerns, social worker Khisal Jafri has spent the past two decades helping those in need. From providing free oxygen machines and medical equipment to supporting students from disadvantaged backgrounds, his work has touched both the health and education sectors.

Recognizing his sustained social service, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) honored Jafri on the occasion of the 80th Independence Day. Pune Mayor Manjusha Nagpure presented him with the “Pune Pratham Sammanchinha” (Pune First Badge of Honor).

Speaking to Awaz-The Voice, Jafri spoke about his journey, his family’s influence on his commitment to social service and his plans for the future.

Jafri says his inclination towards public service began at home. His father and grandfather both served as officials with the PMC, giving him an early understanding of civic responsibility.

“I have had this traditional inclination towards social work since my student days. When I was in college, the issue of some students' fees came before me. After solving the fee problem for one particular student, I felt that I should work in the educational and medical fields. That is why I started doing social work at the age of 20,” he says.

Pune attracts thousands of students from rural Maharashtra, other states and abroad. Many, however, arrive with limited financial resources and little knowledge of the city. Jafri and his team help such students find their footing, particularly those who are academically capable but unable to afford higher education.

“Many times, students come to Pune to study or take exams. They have absolutely no guidance. A student coming from a village or another state gets scared upon arriving in Pune; we try to stabilize them. Especially poor and bright students who don't get a platform due to financial backwardness, we help them through scholarships,” he says.

His work also focuses on healthcare. For the past 10 years, Jafri has provided needy patients with oxygen machines, beds and other medical equipment free of cost.

“Living in a metro city, the environmental balance is not maintained. Because of this, patients do not get oxygen on time. For the past 10 years, we have been providing everything completely free of cost to such patients or those who need medical infrastructure—be it oxygen machines, beds, or other medical devices. Getting good treatment is the constitutional right of every patient,” he says.

Jafri and his team also help eligible patients access government healthcare schemes, including the Mahatma Jyotirao Phule Jan Arogya Yojana, ensuring that benefits reach those who need them most.

Realizing that such a wide-ranging effort could not be sustained alone, Jafri brought together social and educational organizations, including the Unique Foundation and Guidance Foundation. Through a network of four to five organizations, his service initiatives now extend across Pune and adjoining areas.

Reflecting on the PMC honour, Jafri says, “The Pune Municipal Corporation took cognizance of my work, especially the free supply of oxygen and medical equipment. The Municipal Corporation has given me this award for prioritizing the citizens of the city and social service. This award has given me more strength for my future endeavors.”

ALSO READ: Woman pilot hit LeT's Muridke center, and more facts about Operation Sindoor

Over the past 20 years, Jafri's efforts have focused on making healthcare, education and civic support more accessible to vulnerable sections of society. His recognition by the PMC highlights the contribution of individuals who quietly work to strengthen the social fabric of a rapidly changing city.