Chandigarh, India — In a landmark move, the Punjab Government has appointed renowned humanitarian and Padma Shri awardee Jitender Singh Shunty as a member of the Punjab Human Rights Commission. Known for his extraordinary contributions to social service and human rights, Shunty brings decades of experience in advocating for the dignity and well-being of marginalized communities.
Shunty, who is the founder of the Shaheed Bhagat Singh Sewa Dal, is widely recognized for his work in performing dignified last rites for over 70,000 unclaimed bodies, including more than 4,200 COVID-19 victims. His organization has provided comprehensive funeral services for the destitute, including corpse vans, refrigerated mobile morgues, and the immersion of ashes in the Ganga. His efforts highlight the often-overlooked aspect of the “Right to Life” — the dignity of the deceased.
Awarded the prestigious Padma Shri in 2021 by the President of India, Shunty’s work extends beyond funeral services. He is a passionate advocate for patient rights, having provided free ambulance services, rescue operations, and emergency aid for over 25 years. His interventions have been pivotal in cases where private hospitals illegally detained patients or bodies due to unpaid medical bills.
An internationally recognized figure in disaster relief, Shunty has led humanitarian operations in some of the most devastating disasters of recent history, including the Gujarat earthquake, the 2004 tsunami, and the Nepal earthquake. His teams have provided medical care, rescue services, and WASH (water, sanitation, and hygiene) facilities, alongside the compassionate management of deceased victims.
A prolific blood donor with a world-record 106 donations, Shunty has organized more than 200 blood donation camps, saving countless lives in the process. His contributions to blood donation and disaster relief have earned him both national and international recognition.
In addition to his hands-on humanitarian work, Shunty has been an active member of the National Human Rights Commission’s Core Group of Human Rights Defenders. His advocacy efforts have led to significant policy changes, including a proposal for the establishment of a counter-terrorism human rights response unit and the provision of free last rites for unclaimed bodies nationwide.
His appointment to the Punjab Human Rights Commission underscores the state government’s commitment to strengthening a compassionate, rights-based approach to human rights. Shunty’s vast experience and unwavering dedication to service are expected to further bolster the commission’s efforts in safeguarding human dignity across Punjab.
As a member of the Commission, Jitender Shunty will continue to serve as an inspiration to others, working to ensure that the rights of every individual — living or deceased — are respected and upheld.
