In the hills of Shimla, one name that echoes with compassion and service is Sarbjeet Singh Bobby, fondly called Bobby Bhai. A local shoe businessman by trade, Bobby has become a beloved figure across Himachal Pradesh for his unwavering commitment to humanitarian work.
For over a decade, Bobby has been running free langars at two of Shimla’s busiest hospitals — Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC) and Kamla Nehru Hospital (KNH). From tea and biscuits in the mornings to dal-chawal and soup meals by evening, his kitchen feeds hundreds of patients and their families every single day.
But his work doesn’t stop at food. Through his NGO “Almighty’s Blessings,” founded in 2014, Bobby also operates a 24/7 funeral van service. He ensures that unclaimed or abandoned bodies receive respectful last rites, often stepping in where families or authorities cannot.
His team also runs regular blood donation camps across the region. According to estimates, they have helped collect nearly 30,000 units of blood — accounting for more than half of Himachal’s state-wide supply.
Bobby’s work has extended to disaster relief as well. During floods in Mandi, he quietly sent truckloads of supplies — rice, pulses, blankets, mats, and utensils — without seeking any recognition. His efforts were widely reported but never self-promoted.
Despite his noble mission, Bobby has faced challenges. In 2021, his langar service was temporarily shut down over allegations of unauthorized electricity and water use. The move sparked public outrage, and many came forward to protest the action.
Bobby says the support of his family and community is what keeps him going. He manages to fund much of the initiative through his shoe business, allowing him to keep the services free of cost.
Today, he stands as a powerful example of how individual compassion can transform lives. In a system where government resources often fall short, Bobby Bhai’s selfless dedication continues to fill critical gaps in healthcare and dignity. He once said, “My only thought and desire is that there should not be just one Sarbjeet, instead every corner of India should have someone willing to uplift the underprivileged.” That sentiment encapsulates the spirit of a man whose day begins with a prayer and ends with service.
Though some in Shimla light-heartedly call him “Vela,” to the countless lives he has touched, Sarbjeet Singh Bobby is the heartbeat of compassion in the city.
