Munish Sood
Mandi
In a heartfelt tribute to his late wife, a Delhi Police inspector from Himachal Pradesh has decided to dedicate his post-retirement life to social service. Kishori Lal Sharma, currently serving as an Inspector in the Delhi Police and a native of Mandi district, will establish the “C.K. Memorial Charitable Trust” to support cancer patients and others suffering from life-threatening illnesses.
Sharma, who will retire from the Delhi Police on March 31, 2026, after nearly four decades of service, plans to shift back to his ancestral region Chailchowk in Mandi district to run the trust. The initiative has been launched in memory of his late wife Chanderkanta Sharma, who passed away in November 2021 after battling cancer.
A Mission Inspired by Love and Loss
The trust will primarily work in the fields of healthcare, education and nutrition, with its headquarters in Chailchowk while its activities will extend across Himachal Pradesh. Through the initiative, Sharma aims to assist cancer patients and others suffering from serious illnesses by providing guidance, counselling and information about treatment options and financial assistance available under government schemes.
Speaking about the initiative, Sharma said many families panic upon hearing the word “cancer,” but timely screening and treatment can often lead to complete recovery. He also emphasized that while cancer treatment can be expensive, several government and non-government organizations offer financial support, and the trust will help patients navigate these systems.
Launch Ceremony in New Delhi
The formal launch of the C.K. Memorial Charitable Trust will take place in New Delhi on April 1, 2026. The event will be inaugurated by Lok Sabha MP Anurag Singh Thakur, while Delhi MP Kamaljeet Sehrawat will preside over the ceremony.
Several prominent personalities are expected to attend the event, including Himachal Pradesh MLA Vinod Kumar, Inder Singh, Delhi legislators, India’s first woman IPS officer Kiran Bedi, and Delhi Police Special Commissioner Neeraj Thakur, among other distinguished guests from Himachal Pradesh and Delhi.
Continuing Cancer Awareness Efforts
Over the past few years, Sharma has already been actively involved in organizing cancer awareness and screening camps in remote areas of Himachal Pradesh. These camps were conducted with the support of D.S. Negi, CEO of Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute.
Renowned oncologists Dr. Jai Gopal Sharma and Dr. Poonam Sharma from Manipal Hospital, Delhi, have also agreed to support the trust’s activities and contribute their expertise.
A Women’s Day Tribute
Significantly, Sharma says the trust is not just a social initiative but also a tribute to the strength and legacy of his late wife. Chanderkanta Sharma was the founding president of the Himachal Mitra Mandal in Delhi and remained actively involved in community service during her lifetime.
Although Sharma has been settled in Delhi for years and owns property there, he says his heart remains connected to his native village and its people.
“I plan to dedicate most of my retirement benefits to the trust,” Sharma said, adding that several well-wishers have already assured him of support. “Even if we start small, our determination will help us grow and serve more people.”
Addressing a Growing Health Concern
With cancer cases reportedly rising in Himachal Pradesh, Sharma believes awareness and early detection are the most effective weapons against the disease. Through the trust, he hopes to work closely with government agencies and healthcare institutions to spread awareness and ensure that patients from remote areas receive timely guidance and support.
On International Women’s Day, Sharma’s initiative stands as a poignant reminder of how personal loss can inspire a larger mission of compassion and service, keeping alive the memory of a woman whose life continues to inspire hope and care for others.
