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Modi in Fiji: announces visa on arrival, cooperation in space

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Suva: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi Wednesday proposed that Fiji could become the hub for India’s regional cooperation in space as he announced visa on arrival for Fijians and two Lines of Credit totaling $75 million.

In an address to the Fiji parliament, Modi, the first Indian prime minister to visit the Pacific island nation in 33 years, also proposed help to build a digital Fiji.

He announced a grant of $5 million to strengthen and modernize Fiji’s village, small and medium industries and a Line of Credit of $70 million for a co-generation power plant at Rarav Sugar Mill and another $5 million for upgrading the sugar industry in Fiji.

He also offered India’s expertise and assistance in the agriculture and offered India’s help in developing Fiji’s dairy industry. He said that both could expand trade in areas like fisheries, textiles and garments, and gems and jewellery and announced that India is setting up a centre of excellence in information technology in Fiji.

“We are prepared to work with you to build a Digitial Fiji and to equip your youth to integrate Fiji into the global IT network,” he said.

He added: “We could work to make Fiji the hub for our regional collaboration in space, just as India has done with ASEAN.”

“Today, I propose that we work together to harness the potential of space technology for governance, economic development, conservation, climate change and natural disasters,” Modi said.

He also expressed thanked for Fiji hosting Indian scientists for tracking the Mars Mission, Mangalyaan.

“It was the only mission in the world (to Mars) to succeed in the first attempt,” he said and added that the “simple yet profound act of cooperation reflects the boundless possibilities in our relationship, if we choose to seek them”.

He described Fiji as a “strong voice on behalf of the Pacific Islands and a hub of this region”.

“You are playing an influential role in shaping the global dialogue on climate change.”

Referring to Indian origin Fijian golfer Vijay Singh, who was No 1 in world rankings, Modi said “there are many in India who wish Vijay Singh wore the Indian colours on the golf course”.

“For India, Fiji will always have a special place. The tide of history brought many from India to your shores. It has forged our ties of culture and kinship. But, our relationship today stands on a much broader of our shared values and our common interests as developing countries. And, now, together we were partners in making history,” Modi added.

There are over 300,000 Indian origin people in Fiji. Called girmitiyas, after the name of the indenture agreement girmit, the persons of Indian origin now comprise 37 percent of the 849,000 population (2009 estimates).

He spoke of the common challenges of climate change that both nations face and said “I look forward to working with Fiji in areas such wind and solar energy”.

India has stood shoulder to shoulder with Fiji and the Small Islands Developing States is seeking a fair and urgent response from the international community for a sustainable future.

“We also have shared stakes in a peaceful, cooperative and prosperous Asia and Pacific regions. Stretching from the Indian Ocean through continental Asia into Pacific, this is a region of enormous dynamism and opportunities, but also a region with many challenges.”

Fiji is a leader in the region and a strong voice in the developing world.

“Together, we can also work for a future in the region, in which there is an equal place for all nations – big and small, developed and developing – and a climate of peace and tranquility,” he said.

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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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