National
Naveen Patnaik rules out alliance with BJP
Bhubaneswar, Feb 16 (IANS) Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Friday rubbished speculations of the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) striking an alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
“That is not correct. We remain equi-distant from the BJP as well as the Congress,” the Chief Minister told media persons here after returning from Delhi.
The meeting between Patnaik and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi on Wednesday had triggered speculations that the two leaders might have discussed on a possible alliance ahead of the 2019 polls.
“During my visit to Delhi, I met the Prime Minister and presented a copy of the book ‘The Tall Man Biju Patnaik’,” said the Chief Minister.
He also rubbished media speculations that the BJD would play a pivotal role in national politics in the coming days.
“BJD is concentrating on its good work for Odisha,” he added.
Patnaik also dismissed talks of opposition leader Narasingha Mishra joining the BJD, as did Bhupinder Singh. He clarified that his talks with Mishra was barely for five minutes before the Hockey India function and revolved around the event.
The Chief Minister also reiterated his government’s commitment for a free and fair probe into the gang rape and suicide of a minor girl in Koraput district.
“We always want a free and fair investigation. The state government is moving the Orissa High Court (with a request) to monitor the probe by a special investigation team (SIT). We want justice in the case at the earliest,” said Patnaik.
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court on Friday transferred the case over minor girl’s gang rape and suicide to the Orissa High Court for hearing after the victim’s brother filed a petition appealing for a CBI probe into the incident.
Several public interest litigations have also been filed in the Orrisa High Court in this regard.
–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.