National
‘Iron Lady of Manipur’ kicks off her poll campaign
Imphal: Irom Sharmila, the ‘Iron Lady of Manipur who is contesting an election to the state assembly in January, has kicked off her poll campaign. Addressing a gathering in her home constituency Khurai on Sunday, from where she will contest against the sitting Congress legislator N. Bijoy, Sharmila said that she would fight the elections without any money power. She would also be taking on Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh in the Thoubal assembly constituency.
The civil rights and political activist said that in case she loses the assembly election, she would contest the parliamentary polls in 2019. Sharmila was on a fast-unto-death for 16 long years to press her demand for repeal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958, (AFSPA) from the state. She ended her fast on August 9 amid stiff resistance from many, including her mother.
She assured the people that she has not deviated from her campaign against the draconian AFSPA for which she had earlier expressed her wish to be the Chief Minister one day in order to repeal the act. She said: “Since there was no popular support to my fast, I decided to fight from the floor of the house.”
Sharmila also floated a new party, People Resurgence and Justice Alliance in October. However, till date she remains the only member in her outfit. Despite quite a few new parties mushrooming in the poll-bound state, the ruling Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party remain the main contenders. They have already started their campaign.
Politicians feel that Sharmila may not shine in politics. Nimaichand Luwang, a senior BJP leader said, “Human rights and politics are two different fields.” Besides, they feel that a candidate with no money does not stand a chance.
National
Foodman Vishal Singh Honored for Hunger Free World Mission in Bangkok
Lucknow: Vishal Singh, a renowned social worker from Lucknow, also known as Foodman, has once again made India proud. He was honored by the Happy Hands Gloves Cooperative Limited Company in Korathai, Thailand, for his work with the Hunger Free World Mission.
The Hunger Free World Mission’s meeting was held in Korathai, Thailand, under Vishal Singh’s leadership. Representatives from several countries, including Mr. Raja Dwivedi (Managing Director of Happy Hands Gloves Limited), Thailand Coordinator Mr. Raja Mishra, and member Mr. Varun Singh, attended the event.
Under Vishal Singh’s leadership, the attendees took a pledge to work together toward creating a hunger-free world.
Speaking on the occasion, Vishal Singh explained that the main goal of the Hunger Free World Mission is social participation. He said the mission is not just about feeding people but also about meeting other basic needs of those who are struggling. The mission focuses on helping families of terminally ill patients in hospitals by providing food and shelter. It also works to fulfill essential needs like education, jobs, and care for the elderly.
For the last 16 years, the Vijay Sri Foundation has been providing free services, benefiting thousands of people. Vishal Singh highlighted that the mission aims to gain global recognition like other organizations such as WHO, WWF, and Red Cross, which work for social causes.
During this meeting, Vishal Singh was appointed as the Chairman of the Hunger Free World Mission by representatives from various countries. They also discussed holding regular meetings in different countries to push the mission forward.
Business tycoon Dr. Abhishek Verma has also supported this humanitarian mission, vowing to promote the idea of “Seva Parmo Dharma” (Service is the highest duty) worldwide. Vishal Singh praised him, stating that people like Dr .Abhishek Verma inspire others to work for the betterment of society.
Recently, Romania’s Ambassador, Mr . Daniela Sezonov Ţane, invited Vishal Singh to the Romanian Embassy in Delhi, where they discussed the mission in detail. Impressed by his humanitarian work, she honored Vishal Singh and invited him to Romania to take the mission forward .
Food man Vishal Singh has been serving the people of India for the past 16 years. Through the Vijay Sri Foundation, he provides free meals to cancer patients & their families ,shelter, and education for women & children along with running free old-age homes in Lucknow.
In addition to his humanitarian work, Vishal Singh also addresses issues like crime and corruption through his role as Chairman of Seva Path Media and Managing Director of Vijay Sri Foundation.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Vishal Singh and his team worked tirelessly to provide food and help to the needy, including starving children, elderly citizens, and pregnant women. Despite contracting the virus himself, he continued to assist others after his recovery. He even created a life-saving oxygen regulator using household items, which was praised by doctors both in India and abroad.
In his address at the meeting, Vishal Singh spoke about his mission to create a hunger-free world. He pointed out that India’s large population, along with issues like unemployment and poverty, has caused the country to fall on the Hunger Index. He urged people to contribute just one handful of grains daily to help create a hunger-free world.
He concluded by saying that through social participation, we can empower the people around us, meet their basic needs, and work together to build a stronger, more prosperous, and developed society.