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Modi launches medley version of Bapu’s favourite bhajan
New Delhi, Oct 2 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday launched a medley version of Bapu’s favourite bhajan ‘Vaishnav jan to tene kahiye’ sung by artists from over 40 countries, during the closing ceremony of the Mahatma Gandhi International Sanitation Conference here.
As part of the year-long celebrations leading to Gandhi’s 150th birth anniversary, artists from over 124 countries have contributed musically and paid homage to the Mahatma through his favourite bhajan.
“All Indian missions abroad identified a local artist/group to record the bhajan in the run-up to Gandhi Jayanti, which is observed on October 2. The result is an eclectic, colourful and rich rendition of the hymn infused with the local flavours of the region,” the MEA said in a release.
From Armenia to Angola, Sri Lanka to Serbia, Iraq to Iceland, prominent singers/groups have showcased their talent for the 15th century hymn that was close to Gandhi’s heart.
Written by the poet Narsinh Mehta the bhajan was included in Mahatma Gandhi’s daily prayers.
The different videos from world over were put together in a fusion of about five minutes to give global flavour to the bhajan. It is expected to have contribution from all the countries recognised by the UN, it said.
Amongst the star performers is President Baron Divavesi Waqa of Nauru.
“President Waqa’s gesture was not just a special tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on his 150th birth anniversary but was also a personal gift from him to Modi,” the Ministry of External Affairs said.
Modi launched the bhajan in the presence of the UN Secretary General Antonio Gutierrez, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Minister of Drinking Water and Sanitation Uma Bharti.
The famous Gujarati hymn used to be sung routinely before Gandhi’s meetings.
The medley version, as well as the individual country contributions are available on the MEA’s YouTube page.
–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
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.