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Amitabh Bachchan tries his hand at ‘zitar’

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Mumbai, Nov 11 (IANS) Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan played a few notes on a ‘zitar’ — an electric sitar — gifted to him by Indian classical instrumentalist Niladri Kumar, at the launch of the Pandit Kartick Kumar Foundation here on Sunday.

Amitabh was one of the special guests for the inauguration of the Foundation, an Indian music and arts culture centre, the launch of which marked the 82nd birthday of virtuoso Kartick Kumar.

Instead of a traditional ribbon cutting, Big B played a few notes on the zitar, read a statement.

He praised Niladri Kumar’s music.

“I had heard Niladri Kumar for the first time at an event where they were playing some ambient music through a CD. I was so mesmerized by that music, I requested the person to tell me the name of the musician. He searched and then said it’s ‘some Niladri Kumar’.

“I thought to myself, what a fool this person must be to say some Niladri Kumar… He has no idea about this artiste. After that I searched and bought all Niladri Kumar albums and CDs and till date everyday I listen to his music and it gives me so much calm, peace and joy,” Big B said.

Other guests included Pyarelal Sharma, Mumbai Mayor Vishwanath Mahadeshwar, President of Yuva Sena Aditya Thackeray and Bandra West MLA Ashish Shelar.

Kartick Kumar was also seen performing the Surbahar, while his son Niladri Kumar performed a special set for Amitabh.

Dhaka-born Kartick Kumar said: “The motto of this foundation is to serve through music. This is a premiere centre for all kinds of individuals from all backgrounds to come learn, understand and experience the joy of Indian music, instrument and vocal training through user friendly and interactive formats, fit for this generation.

“Music is an age-old science, which requires a lot of head and heart work. Every individual should be imparted with this gift.”

–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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