National
Modi seeks debate on intra-party democracy, targets Congress (Lead)
New Delhi, Oct 28 (IANS) Attacking the Congress indirectly, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said it is in the interest of democracy and the country that political parties develop with true democratic spirit.
Participating at the annual Diwali Milan programme at the BJP central office here, he said people of the country were not very familiar with several aspects of the working of political parties, including their internal democratic processes, decision-making and organisational structure and called upon the media to initiate a debate.
“Sometimes, I feel that in our country, democracy in political parties, their internal structures, decision-making, the country is not so familiar with it. I feel you friends will some day study and bring out what is the structure of a party, how leadership flourishes, how the new generation gets opportunity, are democratic values part of its core values?
“This should be a topic of wide debate in the country because the quality of democracy depends on that of political parties.”
Though he did not mention the party, his attack was on the Congress which he and the BJP have repeatedly accused of being “dynastic” and “undemocratic”, saying that a member of Nehru-Gandhi family normally occupies its top post.
“Political parties should develop in true democratic spirit, this is very important for the country’s future,” Modi said.
A large number of media persons from print, audio-visual and digital media were present at the event.
After his speech, Modi spent time meeting the journalists, posing as some took selfies with him.
The event was attended by BJP chief Amit Shah, and Union Ministers Nirmala Sitharaman, Smriti Irani and Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi. Several party leaders were also present.
The elaborate menu at the lunch also included freshly baked pizza.
Modi, in his speech, also urged the media to talk about the way values and ideology is imparted in political parties and said there were shortcomings such as parties not speaking “in one wavelength from top to the bottom”.
Recalling the past when BJP, from top to the bottom, spoke in one voice, he said: “Today we listen to several voices in our political party”.”
Stressing the inter-dependent relationship between politicians and the media, he said that “there have been expectations on both sides as also complaints”.
“This is a professional hazard. We have to move forward meeting each other and with smiles.”
Noting the rapid expansion of the media, he said earlier there were a few journalists and one could manage knowing “five-seven” prominent media personalities.
“Now there are so many mediums. It is a challenge for us also that in this rapidly expanding scenario, how should be our communication, how should we interact, how to sustain and expand an open atmosphere. The problem is not in intention but there are practical problems,” said Modi.
Modi referred to the time he spent as a BJP office-bearer in the party’s central office and said there were many people in the gathering who can tell him that he does not meet them now.
“That was an enjoyable atmosphere and we talked a lot. But it has become difficult now,” he said.
The Prime Minister said that informal interactions with the media were useful as media persons often convey about the shortcomings and bottlenecks in various programmes due to their wide exposure.
However, he said in a lighter vein that there are those “who inject” and it is the duty of politicians to find that out, but added: “My experience is that this informal interaction is fruitful.”
Modi also lauded the media for its role in carrying forward the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, saying this will help in achieving the targets early.
“Half of the newspaper pages would be filled with the government’s criticism. But when it comes to the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, all are on the same page. I thank each one of you for making it a personal mission.”
–IANS
ps-bns/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.