UMERKOT, March 4: Recipient of Tamgha-i-Imtiaz (for public services) and renowned social worker Dr Harchand Rai Suthar, who served the poor selflessly throughout his life, passed away at his residence “Ren Basera” on Monday. He was 98.

He has left three sons, five daughters and thousands of admirers to mourn his death. Dr Rai was awarded the highest civil award “Tamgha-i-Imtiaz” in 2007 for his extraordinary service to humanity. He contested elections against Rana Chandar Singh and Jam Saqi in 1970 but failed to win.

Born to a school teacher, Girdhari Lal, on Sept 15, 1915 in Umerkot, Dr Rai joined government service but soon resigned in July 1954 and set up a private clinic at his home. He served the poor who were unable to afford expenses of treatment at private hospitals.

If a patient had no money to buy the drugs he had prescribed he would pay his entire bill.

He used to take part actively in cultural programmes, political gatherings or fundraiser events for the victims of droughts, floods.

He had a keen interest in antiques.—BoC