Prem Nagar, literally translated as “The Valley of Love,” is taking shape rapidly amidst the rolling sands of Tharparkar, where the sun paints the horizon in shades of gold and crimson. This model village, currently under construction, is a living testament to the possibility of unity, harmony, and hope in a world so often divided by mistrust and prejudice.
On National Minority Day, a day marked every year on 11th August in Pakistan in order to reaffirming the Pakistani Government’s commitment to ensure religious freedom and equality to all citizens, the Editor-in-chief Press Network of Pakistan, Sabahuddin Qazi, was invited by MNA Dr. Ramesh Kumar Vankwani to visit Prem Nagar, the ‘Valley of Love’ currently being constructed under his direct supervision.
The weather was refreshingly pleasant, with soft clouds drifting across the sky and a gentle breeze carrying the scent of fresh earth. During the journey, lush greenery was seen as far as the eye can see, painting the desert in vibrant shades of life. Animals were wandering leisurely across the open fields, while birds were flying in a happy mood, filling the air with their cheerful sounds.
On the occasion, Mr. Qazi availed the opportunity for a chit-chat with the prominent minority Parliamenterian, Patron-in-Chief of the Pakistan Hindu Council, and driving force behind this remarkable initiative. In an inspiring conversation, Dr. Ramesh Vankwani spoke about the dream, the struggle, and the enduring patriotic spirit to build Prem Nagar from the ground up and transforming it into the Valley of Love.
“Prem Nagar is Vankwani Family’s gift to the people of Pakistan”
“Here, there is no room for hatred, injustice, or negativity. Prem Nagar welcomes everyone — regardless of religion, ethnicity, gender, or any other difference. All who cross its threshold will find nothing but love, peace, and care.”
These are not just poetic words. Dr. Ramesh Kumar Vankwani emphasized that these are in fact the guiding principles upon which every brick of Prem Nagar is being laid.
The Genesis of an Idea
When asked about how the idea for Prem Nagar began, Dr. Vankwani leans back, his voice tinged with emotion.
“This dream was born out of love and loss,” he says. “After my beloved brother, Dr. Prem Kumar Vankwani, passed away in April 2021, we decided to honor his memory by creating something that would embody his values — compassion, service, and inclusivity.”
The Vankwani family launched the Dr. Prem Kumar Sital Das Memorial Trust to carry forward the noble mission of thier deceased brother Dr. Prem Kumar and beloved father Dr. Sital Das, he further expressed.
In this regard, it was decided to establish Prem Nagar, a multi-faceted model village shaped to uplift the marginalized communities of Tharparkar through comprehensive human-centered development initiaitives. Under the chairmanship of Dr. Ramesh Kumar Vankwani, the trust was founded in October 2021 and within months, plans were underway to develop a 150-acre model village in Islamkot, Tharparkar — the very place where Dr. Prem Kumar was born.
Undoubtedly, Dr. Ramesh Kumar Vankwani’s leading role in bringing Prem Nagar into the national conversation is significant. His advocacy for minority rights in Pakistan is not limited to speeches in parliament — it is grounded in real initiatives that promote peaceful coexistence. By highlighting Prem Nagar on National Minority Day, he has not only honored the community but also challenged the rest of the country to reflect on how such noble acts can be replicated elsewhere.
According to him, the world can learn from this remote corner of Sindh. In a time when divisions based on religion, race, and ideology are fueling conflict across the globe, Prem Nagar demonstrates that harmony is possible — not as a utopian dream, but as a practical reality.
Why Tharparkar?
“Tharparkar is the National Hub of Harmony”
Tharparkar has long been a land where people of different faiths have lived side by side, sharing water, bread, and life’s hardships. Unlike many parts of the world where religious and ethnic differences breed division, here, people from diverse backgrounds have coexisted for centuries, attending each other’s festivals and supporting each other in times of need.
Prem Nagar thrives on values that are too often missing in the wider world. In times of drought or hardship — challenges that Tharparkar is no stranger to — people here extend help without asking about one’s faith or identity. When a family suffers loss, neighbors rally to provide comfort. When there is a celebration, the entire settlement comes alive in shared festivity.
This sense of care is rooted in the cultural fabric of Tharparkar, where ancient traditions of hospitality and compassion have been passed down for centuries. But in Prem Nagar, they have been consciously preserved and strengthened as the foundation of community life.
“We wanted to strengthen that tradition, not just preserve it,” says Dr. Vankwani. “Prem Nagar is about turning harmony into a daily practice and a model others can replicate.”
Reflecting the Spirit of National Minority Day
National Minority Day, observed on August 11th, commemorates Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s historic speech in 1947, in which he declared that religion should have no place in the business of the state and that all citizens should be treated equally.
“Quaid’s words were clear,” Dr. Vankwani emphasizes. “In Prem Nagar, we are putting that vision into action. Diversity here is not just tolerated — it’s celebrated.”
In many places, tolerance is understood as simply putting up with differences. In Prem Nagar, it means welcoming differences. It’s about acknowledging that diversity enriches the community, rather than threatens it. This mindset shapes daily life, from school classrooms where children learn side by side, to community decisions made collectively with every voice heard.
Dr. Ramesh Kumar Vankwani’s remarks about Prem Nagar perfectly echoed the spirit of this day. As an MNA and an influential advocate for minority rights, he demonstrates in Prem Nagar a real-world example of Jinnah’s dream for Pakistan — a country where every citizen is valued, not judged by religion, ethnicity, or social background. “
The Vankwani Family factor
The Trust’s leadership includes Dr. Ramesh Kumar Vankwani, his siblings, and close relatives, each taking on different responsibilities — from educational planning to community welfare programs. Their combined efforts are entirely selfless and patriotic, aimed at uplifting all Pakistanis without discrimination.
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Organizational Leadership:
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Dr. Ramesh Kumar Vankwani serves as Chairman,
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Dr. Shahdev Vankwani is Vice Chairman,
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Dr. Harish Kumar Vankwani acts as General Secretary of the Trust’s Board.
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Unified Vision Across Faiths: The Trust operates with a resolute commitment to serve humanity “without discrimination of color, caste, creed, or religion”—a deeply patriotic ethos in a diverse nation like Pakistan.
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Collaborative Spirit: The Trust works closely with the Sindh government and receives guidance from esteemed welfare advocates like Senator Javed Jabbar and retired Air Commander Shabeer, reaffirming its national significance.
“Our family’s roots are deep in this soil, and so is our love for our Dharti Mata Pakistan,” says Dr. Vankwani. “Prem Nagar is a gift from our hearts to the Pakistani nation.”
Philanthropist Philosophy behind Prem Nagar
Dr. Ramesh Vankwani described that the Prem Nagar’s philosophy revolves around following core values:
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Equality is the Starting Point – Every person deserves dignity, safety, and opportunity.
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Shared Humanity Comes First – Before we are of any religion, we are human beings.
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Empathy Builds Resilience – Communities that care for one another are stronger in the face of crisis.
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Peace Requires Daily Practice – Harmony isn’t automatic; it’s a choice made every day in how we treat others.
These golden principles may seem simple, but living them consistently is rare. Prem Nagar’s example proves it can be done.
Facilities that Build a Future
Prem Nagar is envisioned as a self-sustaining modern community where residents don’t just live — they thrive.
Education
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Public Schools from primary to higher secondary level.
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Partnerships with LUMHS and other universities to establish campuses in Prem Nagar.
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Nursing college, paramedical college and other training centers
Healthcare
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Well-equipped hospitals and health clinics.
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Preventive health programs, including nutrition awareness and maternal care.
Welfare & Social Care
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An SOS Children’s Village for orphaned and abandoned children.
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Dar-ul-Sakoon facilities for differently-abled individuals.
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Welfare programs for widows, senior citizens and vulnerable families.
Sports & Technology
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Sports ground, encouraging youth sportsmanship.
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A digital innovation hub focused on AI, programming, and remote work skills.
Culture & Faith
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A Natural History Centre to showcase the heritage and biodiversity of Thar.
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A mosque and temple standing side by side, symbolizing religious harmony.
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Cultural festivals that invite participation from all communities.
Religious Harmony in Action
Religious harmony in Prem Nagar is not just a slogan. Here, a magnificant masjid and temple, as per master plan, will stand not as opposing symbols but as a spiritual neighborhood on the golden principles of co-existence. This practice of inclusion has practical outcomes — reduced tensions, stronger social bonds, and a collective focus on improving everyone’s quality of life rather than competing over differences.
Dr. Vankwani is adamant that Prem Nagar is not just about slogans — it’s about living proof.
“My dream is to see children of different faiths playing football together, studying in the same classrooms, and visiting each other’s places of worship. That’s how you remove prejudice — by replacing ignorance with friendship.”
Challenges Along the Way
Building the Valley of Love in Tharparkar is not without its hurdles:
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Water scarcity means investing in sustainable solutions like solar-powered tube wells.
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Desert climate requires innovative architecture for cooling and energy efficiency.
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Remote location makes transportation and supply chain logistics more complex.
But, as Dr. Vankwani puts it:
“When the foundation is love, every challenge becomes a stepping stone.”
Impact Beyond Tharparkar
While the immediate beneficiaries will be the residents of Tharparkar, the long-term vision is much larger. Dr. Vankwani sees this model being replicated in other districts of Pakistan, particularly where communities are divided by religious or ethnic lines.
“If the spirit of Prem Nagar spreads, we will have fewer headlines about hatred and more about love, care, harmony and unity.”
A Legacy for Generations
By focusing on education, healthcare, and entrepreneurship, Dr. Ramesh Vankwani believed that the Vankwani family would keep serving motherland Pakistan, which according to him is Dharti Mata in the eyes of every member of Vankwani family.
“The students who graduate from here will not only play a constructive role in society but will also explore better life opportunities across the world. Wherever they go, they will carry the values of equality, compassion, and service — and they will remember the patriotic spirit behind Prem Nagar.”
A Call to the Nation
From schools to workplaces, from government offices to local neighborhoods, the spirit of Valley of Love can be woven into the fabric of the nation. It requires courage to reject prejudice, wisdom to embrace diversity, and compassion to see beyond one’s own perspective.
As our conversation draws to an end, Dr. Vankwani shares his heartfelt message:
“My appeal to all Pakistanis — respect all faiths, embrace diversity, and reject prejudice. Let the Valley of Love inspire every corner of our country. We have only one Dharti Mata and that is Pakistan. Let us make it an amazing homeland for every Pakistani citizen.”
Closing Reflection
As the sun sets over the Thar Desert, the first buildings of Prem Nagar catch the golden light, standing quietly but confidently against the horizon. They are more than concrete and brick; they are a promise — a promise that love can be stronger than hate, that unity can outshine division, and that in the heart of Sindh, a valley of love can indeed bloom in the sand.
“Prem Nagar is not just on the map of Sindh; it’s a point of hope on the map of humanity.” — Dr. Ramesh Kumar Vankwani concluded.
Mr. Sabahuddin Qazi serves Editor-in-chief of the Press Network of Pakistan.
