National
Not interested in talks unless independence on agenda, Ulfa faction tells Sri Sri
Guwahati, Sep 8 (IANS) The Ulfa’s anti-talk faction, led by its commander in chief Paresh Baruah, on Friday reacted strongly to the peace initiative made by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, saying they are interested in participating in any forms of peace talks unless the central government is ready to discuss ‘Independence of Assam’.
“You (Sri Sri Ravi Shankar) have repeatedly asked us to join in the false, biased and ridiculous peace talks held by the Indian government. We would like to decline your request again to join the ‘mainstream’ peace talks because we only follow the revolutionary stream that will lead to an Independent Asom,” said the elusive rebel leader.
“You have raised concerns over our armed struggle. We have picked up arms in order to protect ourselves and not to threaten any individual. Our struggles will continue until our ultimate goal is achieved. I urge you not to ask us to lay down our arms in hope of your empty promises. I suggest you to stick to your pretentious religion and let us continue our journey to freedom,” he added.
The spiritual leader, while addressing a conference of the indigenous people of the northeast region on Thursday, appealed to all the rebel organizations to shun violence and join the national mainstream. He had also stated that he has been in touch of several rebel organisations of India’s northeast to bring them to peace talks.
Meawhile, Assam Chief Minister Sarbanada Sonowal on Thursday evening met the spiritual leader and expressed his government’s intention of entering into an agreement with Art of Living Foundation for meaningful and purposeful rehabilitation of surrendered militants.
He also pitched for a tie-up with Art of Living for a Sports Academy in the state and sought Sri Sri’s help in this regard.
–IANS
ah/vd
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.