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Trump hails ‘new American moment’ in State of Union address (Lead)

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Washington, Jan 31 (IANS) A bullish US President Donald Trump has proclaimed a “new American moment” as he delivered his maiden State of the Union speech.

In his address to Congress on Tuesday from the Capitol Hill, he told lawmakers: “There has never been a better time to start living the American dream.”

Addressing the joint session of Congress in the chamber of the House of Representatives, Trump outlined his administration’s goals for the next year, including policies on trade, immigration, infrastructure and national security.

In an upbeat message, a world away from the apocalyptic tone that he had struck in his “American carnage” inaugural address in 2017, Trump said his administration was “building a safe, strong and proud America”.

He defended “the extraordinary success” he has achieved since taking office on January 20, 2017, and called on the Congress to work together and set aside differences.

Trump started off with: “Over the last year, we have made incredible progress and achieved extraordinary success.”

He asked the Democrats and Republicans “to set aside” their differences, to seek out common ground, and to summon the unity “we need to deliver for the people. This is really the key…”

As many as 40 million television viewers were expected to tune in to the primetime address as he implored the nation to come together as “one team, one people and one American family”, the excerpts released by the White House said.

Although the American economy is booming, Trump’s approval rating languishes, the BBC said.

On foreign policy, Trump noted that nearly all the territory in Syria and Iraq once controlled by the Islamic State (IS) group has been retaken. He vowed: “We will continue our fight until IS is defeated.”

Trump praised an army staff sergeant, Justin Peck, who risked his life to save a comrade in Iraq and was awarded a Bronze Star.

Peck stood behind the First Lady Melania Trump. Peck received waves of applause as he shook hands with her.

Terrorists are not just evil but unlawful criminal combatants, Trump said and came down heavily on earlier “weak” US policy to release terror faces like IS chief Al Baghdadi.

“Detain terrorists”, he said. “In the past, we have foolishly released hundreds of dangerous terrorists, only to meet them again on the battlefield — including the IS leader, Al-Baghdadi.

He vowed to keep open the detention facilities at Guantanamo Bay.

“As part of our defence, we must modernise and rebuild our nuclear arsenal, hopefully never having to use it, but making it so strong and powerful that it will deter any acts of aggression,” he said.

Trump said one day there would be a magical moment when countries of the world would get together to destroy all the nuclear weapons,” unfortunately that time has not come yet”.

On Iran he said: “When the people of Iran rose up against the crimes of their corrupt dictatorship, I did not stay silent. America stands with the people of Iran in their courageous struggle for freedom.

“I am asking the Congress to address the fundamental flaws in the terrible Iran nuclear deal.”

Trump’s address was well punctuated by loud applause, thumping of approval and standing ovations.

For an hour and 20 minutes Trump spoke to unify the country as he ended with: “The people dreamed this country. The people built this country. And it is the people who are making America great again.”

He stepped down from the rostrum after the winning line for the Republican side: “As long as we are proud of who we are, … there is nothing we cannot achieve…”

–IANS
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Dr. Abhishek Verma Dedicates a Shelter in Memory of His Mother, Veena Verma, at KGMU; Inaugurated by Daughter Nicolle Verma

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World-renowned business tycoon Dr. Abhishek Verma has supported Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission. In memory of his mother, Late Veena Verma, who was a 3 term Rajya Sabha MP.

Dr. Verma dedicated a state-of-the-art free permanent shelter for the attendants of patients at KGMU Medical University, Lucknow, under the aegis of Vijay Shree Foundation. His daughter, Nicolle Verma, inaugurated the shelter.

During the event, Foodman Vishal Singh honored Nicolle Verma by presenting her with a memento. Mrs. Nidhi Sharma and Avantika Yadav, associated with the organization, welcomed her with garlands. Following this, Nicolle Verma distributed essential items to the attendants and also handed out fruits. She became emotional remembering her grandmother on her birth anniversary.

On this occasion, she also inaugurated the “Veena Verma Sevalaya” in memory of her grandmother, Veena Verma, to serve the attendants. She expressed, “I feel proud that my family is engaged in nation-building as well as social service. Today, in collaboration with Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh Ji, I feel immensely proud to dedicate this shelter for the poor, helpless, and needy attendants of patients battling serious illnesses like cancer. I am honored to be associated with the Hunger-Free World Mission for humanity.”

Inspired by the continuous humanitarian service provided by Vijay Shree Foundation over the past 17 years, Nicolle Verma donated 10 lakh rupees to support the cause. The purpose of this donation is to ensure that services continue for the needy attendants of patients suffering from severe illnesses in hospitals, as facilitated by Foodman Vishal Singh.

It is noteworthy that Dr. Abhishek Verma’s family has a legacy of public and philanthropic service. They are helping millions to carry forward the values and service work of their parents. On the occasion of his mother’s birth anniversary, Dr. Abhishek Verma dedicated this state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College to serve the attendants of patients through the Vijay Shree Foundation.

Supporting Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission, Dr. Abhishek Verma assured that he would continually support keeping this flame of humanity alive. He also promised to assist in providing medicines to the helpless patients.

Continuing her grandmother’s legacy of service, Nicolle Verma personally served food to the needy patients and attendants. She said, “It is our good fortune to have received the joy of doing this noble work today through Foodman Vishal Singh. I have taken another step forward in carrying my family’s values and cooperation by joining hands with the Vijay Shree Foundation. My father taught me to serve and help the needy, and I feel happy when I bring a smile to someone’s face.”

On the birth anniversary of the late Veena Verma, the event organizer, Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh, said, “We feel proud and happy that Dr. Abhishek Verma, a globally renowned business tycoon, has extended his support to uplift our country from the hunger index. Today, on his mother’s birth anniversary, he inaugurated a state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College, which will always be helpful for the needy attendants of patients. It is a pleasure for me and the organization to receive the affection of Mr. Verma.”

The event was attended by General Manager Verma Family Office Hemant Garg, Sonu Rajput, and the organization’s volunteers, including Sandeep Singh, Parmeshwar Ji, Prashant Rao Gautam, Balram Singh, Ramesh Chaudhary, Suman, Jeetu, Anil, Suraj, Vinay, Manish Bhadauria, Manas Mehrotra, Vivek, Apurv, Happy, and others.

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