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Amartya Sen praises Delhi’s odd-even policy
New Delhi:Nobel laureate and eminent economist Amartya Sen on Wednesday praised the odd-even policy rolled out by the Delhi government on a trial basis from January 1, saying such a move will bring in confidence to conduct more such plans to curb pollution.
“The fact that it succeeded, it brings happiness and it brings confidence that something like this can be done. And I hope there will be many more to reduce pollution and other environmental hazards,” he said.
Sen also praised the Delhi government saying that it takes “political will” to roll out such an initiative, while criticising the central government for neglecting the health and education sector.
“The previous government was spending less (on education). But the current government is spending even lesser. This is very unfortunate,” he said here at the Nobel Solutions Summit, where Nobel laureates from across the globe gathered to debate, discuss and deliberate on the major challenges being faced by the world and India as well.
Sen also contended that ‘saffronisation’ of education is happening in India.
“To some extent it (saffronisation) is certainly happening in education). The important question is if whether its happening so much that it becomes the most important issue,” he said.
With elections to the West Bengal assembly scheduled this year, Sen expressed hope that the current leadership of the Left, especially the major party (Communist Party of India-Marxist) can learn from its previous political debacles.
“I’ve been critical of the Left, although I see myself as being a part of the Left. I think the attention of the Left got too confined to some very narrow attitude.. like the dominance of American imperialism and nothing else.
“There are other issues (as well) in the present leadership under (new general secretary Sitaram) Yechury. I think the Left has also learnt something from the defeat in the past few years (in elections). I think they will probably take a note of that and try to do something on it.”
On the issue of “intolerance”, he noted that there was intolerance in the previous government as well. “But the intolerance is much larger now and much more politically channelled. There might be others who would say that it (returning awards) is not the best way (to raise voice on intolerance) and that there might be a better way. Condemning ‘award-wapsi’ is also not a good way of responding to the current situation.”
“I think I see what these people who have returned their award intended to do.. I respect that and to some extent they have achieved in drawing attention to it,” he added.
Sen received Nobel Prize in Economics in 1998 for his contribution to welfare economics.
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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.