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Chamling for ST status for 11 Sikkimese Nepali communities

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Gangtok, May 3 (IANS) Making a strong pitch for granting of Scheduled Tribe status to 11 Sikkimese Nepali communities, an issue lying unresolved for over 40 years, Chief Minister Pawan Chamling on Thursday regretted that the Nepali communities in India have not received “as much respect and dignity” as was extended to other citizens.

“We are deliberating on recognition of 11 Nepali communities as Scheduled Tribe communities in Sikkim as well as our brothers and sisters residing in other parts of the country to ensure justice for their demand.

“I firmly believe our sincere struggle and hard work will soon bear results,” Chamling said while inaugurating the Sikkim Summit for Tribal Status 2018.

The two-day summit has been organised by EIECOS – an association of the registered 11 indigenous ethnic communities of Nepal – as also the Sikkim Commission for backward Classes and the state’s Social Justice Empowerment and Welfare Department.

Pointing out that Sikkim was the only state to have joined India by way of referendum, Chamling said: “Sikkim is the unique embedded example of commitment and patriotism for national integration.”

However, in 1978, the Nepali community was “unfortunately” left out when Scheduled Tribe recognition was granted — three years after the state joined India.

“After so many years, we are still fighting for justice, demanding the inclusion of the left out communities in the ST list.

“We embraced India as a country on the condition of never compromising our uniqueness as Sikkimese people protected by the Indian Constitution.

“However, in 1978, through the constitution Scheduled Tribe order, only Lepchas and Bhutias were listed as Scheduled Tribes and the Nepali community was virtually delisted,” he said.

“This was an unfortunate decision on the part of the Indian government because it led to the deprivation of pre-merger political privilege of our community. This was gross injustice to the Nepali community which needs to be addressed… (though) partial justice was done when Tamangs and Limbus were given ST status in 2002.”

Pointing out that it has been historically proven that the Nepali community has made great contribution to nation-building at par with other citizens, he said: “But the Nepali community in India has not received respect and dignity at par with other citizens… They are still struggling with identity crisis.

“This contribution made by Nepali speaking citizens of India has gone unheard, and therefore they are suffering injustice till today. The time has come to take appropriate steps to address these shortcomings.”

Chamling said his government has taken note of the historical background of the demand and is doing everything possible to secure constitutional recognition of the 11 left out communities for ST status.

–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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