National
Surge of non-state actors demands firm action: Sitharaman
Panaji, Nov 1 (IANS) Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Wednesday said that increased militarisation and a recent surge of non-state actors were key maritime challenges that need to be tackled.
Speaking at the Goa Maritime Conference, Sitharaman also highlighted increased vulnerability of coastal populations to natural disasters as a matter of concern, saying it was critical to finds ways and means to adequately handle such circumstances.
She said increased militarisation had manifested into a “steady increase in the numbers of warships operating” in the Indian Ocean region.
“We have also witnessed extra-regional nations maintain a near permanent presence within the region — on one pretext or the other,” Sitharaman said.
“These countries, which are extra-regional, are creating naval outposts as well as dual use infrastructure in the region. This sort of militarisation increases the complexities for countries of this region.”
The Defence Minister said while non-state actors have been players in maritime zones since times immemorial but the current surge and the support which they received from “certain states” has made firm action imperative.
“The concept of non-state actors is again something which is not new. Countries have been dealing with this issue, both over land and at sea, since time immemorial. However the recent surge in the number of non-state actors juxtaposed with the support they enjoy from certain states, their enhanced reach, as well as access to resources, has brought the issue to the forefront and demands firm action.”
Highlighting the increased vulnerability of coastal populations in India to natural disasters, Sitharaman said: “All our coastal regions are densely populated and suffer immense damage to life as well as property in the event of major natural calamities.
“Yet, in the aftermath of natural disasters, the only way to gain access and to provide succour to our people is from the sea. It is therefore very important that we create structures that can cater to such circumstances.”
–IANS
maya/sar/bg
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.