National
Use of Devanagri numerals on new notes criticised
New Delhi: The use of Devanagri numerals on the new Rs 500 and Rs 2,000 currency notes “contravenes Constitution” and is “highly condemnable”, ADMK MP Tiruchi Siva said in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday. Raising the issue during Zero Hour, Siva said the use of Devanagri script on currency notes shows a preference of the government for a particular language and linguistic group, which may alienate others. He also objected to the use of Swachh Bharat logo on the notes, saying that the government cannot promote its schemes through currency notes.
“The new … notes contain … a script of Hindi and this is contravening … Article 343 (1) of Constitution that says that form of numerals to be used for official purposes of the Union shall be international form of Indian numerals,” Siva said. Although a Presidential Order of 1960 says that a uniform basic policy should be adopted for use of Devanagri numerals in Hindi publications of central ministries, Siva said the currency notes “are not Hindi publications of a central ministry nor do they cater to the needs of a section only”.
He said that as per Article 343(3) of the Constitution, Parliament by law may decide the use of Devanagri form of numerals but it was not being done. “If at all the currency notes have to use Devanagri numerals, it will be so only after the passage of law by Parliament. But it was done,” Siva added. He said that in a country as diverse as India, the government’s decision shows “a preference for a particular language… and the Hindi-speaking groups” though the notes are meant to be used by all linguistic groups and sections in the country. “It may alienate those who do not belong to this group,” he added. Siva also called the government’s move to use Swachh Bharat logo on notes as “preposterous”, saying government schemes can’t be promoted like this.
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.