National
It is very cold in jail, Lalu tells judge
Ranchi, Jan 4 (IANS) Special CBI judge Shivapal Singh on Thursday put off the sentencing of former Bihar Chief Minister Lalu Prasad, who claimed he had done no wrong and that he found it “very cold” in prison.
According to a lawyer who was present in the courtroom, Lalu Yadav told the judge: “Sir, jail me thanda bahut lagta hai. (It is very cold in the prison.)”
The RJD leader added there were other problems too. “I am not allowed to meet people.”
The judge responded: “That’s why you are called to the court so that you can meet people. If you feel cold, then play harmonia or tabla to beat the cold.”
When Lalu Prasad claimed innocence in the scandal he is accused of, the judge remarked: “You were Chief Minister and in charge of the Finance department. You did not act on time. Please go. Today is not your (day) of sentencing.”
The banter went on. Lalu Prasad said: “Sir, I am also a lawyer.” The Judge: “Then take a degree in jail.”
Lalu Prasad: “Sir, everything gets ok if one has a cool mind.” The judge: “I do not listen to anyone. Your well wishers’ calls are coming from far off places.”
The judge offered that video-conferencing can take place if the RJD leader had a problem coming to the court. Lalu Prasad: ” No Sir, I have no problem, I will come to court.”
Lalu Prasad’s sentencing is expected on Friday.
A Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) court on December 23 convicted the Rashtriya Janata Dal chief and 15 others in a case relating to the multi-million-rupee fodder scam.
According to lawyers, Lalu Prasad can be awarded three to seven years’ punishment. If he gets three years’ term, he would get bail soon after sentencing.
Lalu Prasad is now lodged at the Birsa Munda Central Jail in Ranchi.
–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.