National
Liquor policy not negotiable, says Chandy
Thiruvananthapuram: Chief Minister Oommen Chandy Wednesday said the new liquor policy, which aims to implement prohibition in the state in a phased manner, is “not negotiable”.
Lawmakers in the Kerala assembly Wednesday took on one anpther through disciplined speeches which was a contrast as the assembly witnesses uproarious scenes for the last two days.
The Left opposition through economist-turned-politician and former finance minister Thomas Issac sought leave for an adjournment motion to discuss the government’s failure to present a liquor policy in the court.
“The government’s liquor policy is flawed as it is not clear and that’s why the court is able to pick holes and is allowing bars to remain open,” said Issac.
The Kerala High Court is hearing a few cases on the new liquor policy after the Kerala Bar Hotel Owners Association approached the court asking permission to operate their bars.
The new liquor policy is about achieving prohibition in the state in a phased manner, and says that barring the 21 five-star hotels, all other bars in the state should be closed down from Sep 12.
Since then, a series of cases has been heard and last month the court gave the nod for 62 heritage, four- and five-star hotel bars to operate from Wednesday.
On Tuesday, the high court also asked for opening of 22 four-star bars for two months.
“This government and the bar owners are hand in glove and that’s why the court is allowing bars to be opened. Moreover, allegations have also come out that Finance Minister K.M. Mani was paid Rs.1 crore by the bar owners,” said Isaac.
Replying to this, Excise Minister K. Babu said that if Issac’s accusations are proved, he will quit as minister.
Chandy, who has been silent on this issue in the assembly for the past two days, broke his silence and said that no innocent person will be allowed to be made a scapegoat.
“Our liquor policy is not negotiable but we will be making slight corrections with regards to the suggestions with regards to the tourism industry and on the rehabilitation of workers who have lost their jobs. At the moment we will wait to hear the court’s final verdict,” said Chandy.
However, Leader of Opposition V.S. Achuthanandan led a walkout.
Meanwhile, Deputy Speaker Sakthan Nadar examined a CD that was handed over by the opposition claiming that it contained all the videos and audios that prove the allegation of the Rs.1 crore bribe that Mani received.
“These are just things that has already appeared on TV channels and hence this cannot be tabled,” said Nadar.
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.