National
Parsekar to lead BJP in 2017 Goa polls: Party leader
Panaji: Days after the controversy surrounding Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar’s alleged comments about retiring from politics, a top BJP leader in Goa on Thursday said the party would be contesting the 2017 assembly polls under the leadership of Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar.
Parsekar, who later spoke to reporters in Panaji, also said he was willing to accept any responsibility thrust upon him by the party leadership.
When asked at a press conference at the party’s state headquarters if the BJP would be contesting the elections under the leadership of the incumbent chief minister, Bharatiya Janata Party state unit president Vinay Tendulkar said: “Yes”.
Parsekar was appointed the chief minister last year after the elevation of Parrikar as defence minister.
However, Parrikar, who has been the party’s most popular face for over two decades now, on Sunday dropped a googly by hinting at possible retirement.
“After 60 (years), one has to think about retirement. I turn 60 on December 13, therefore, I had started thinking about retirement two-three years back. I have to intensify that, therefore, I don’t feel inclined to take up big responsibilities,” Parrikar said at a function in Mapusa, a town located 12 km from Panaji.
Parrikar also made a comment about dearth of good leadership in a small state like Goa and said that he would drag the state government back on track if it veered from course.
“Finally, there is a question mark over the possibility of finding people with leadership qualities in a small state. But one thing I will say, my attention will be on Goa. And if the government in Goa goes on a wrong path, then I will bring it back on track. I can give this guarantee to Goans,” he had also said.
On Monday, however, Parrikar took to Twitter to say retirement was not on the cards.
“My correct statement – At the age of 60, normally people think of retirement and perhaps I would have also… But I had to take bigger responsibilities at Centre and I assure you that I will come back only after finishing the task I am given,” Parrikar said.
Over the last two decades, every Goa assembly election has been contested by the BJP under the leadership of Parrikar, but this time round Parsekar claims he is ready for the same job.
“When I was appointed chief minister, initially I thought it would be a daunting task, but over a period of time it has become routine work… Until today I have accepted anything what the party has told me to do, if the party wants me to I will do it,” Parsekar said.
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.