National
Rahul writes to PM, seeks package for Kerala, Tamil Nadu in wake of Ockhi
New Delhi, Dec 17 (IANS) Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Sunday wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi urging him to declare a comprehensive special financial package for Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Lakshadweep in the wake of damage and loss of life caused by the cyclone Ockhi.
Gandhi, in his first letter to Modi as party President, also called for adequate measures for strengthening the advance cyclone warning communication mechanism in the coastal areas and constructing seawalls and groynes in the vulnerable sea coasts of Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
Stressing that Ockhi had caused severe destruction and casualties in the southern coastal region, Lakshadweep and the western coast, he said that the death toll in Kerala alone has risen to 70 with hundreds of fishermen still missing.
“The situation is similar in Tamil Nadu with hundreds of fishermen missing and dozens having lost their lives. On a daily basis rescue teams and fishermen are finding floating dead bodies in the sea,” he said.
Referring to his visit to some of the affected areas in Kerala and Tamil Nadu on December 14, Gandhi said he felt the immense pain brought to the people.
“As families mourn the loss of loved ones, others wait in hope and fear for those who have still not returned from sea,” he said.
He said the fishermen deserve a helping hand in these challenging times and urged the Prime Minister to take necessary measures for their rehabilitation and restoration of their traditional vocation as a first priority,
“I would request you to declare a comprehensive special financial package for Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Lakshadeep to undertake rehabilitation, provide financial assistance to the families of the deceased fishermen and for overall development of coastal region, including steps for prevention of such tragedy,” he said.
He also called holistic measures for ensuring housing, basic health services and quality education for children of the fishermen, saying they were one of the most underprivileged sections of society.
Gandhi said lifesaving instruments should be given to fishermen sailing to the sea.
–IANS
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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.