National
Punjab offers programme to connect NRIs with their roots
Chandigarh, Nov 17 (IANS) The Punjab Cabinet on Friday approved the “Connect with Your Roots” (CYR) programme to reach out to youngsters of Punjabi origin settled in other countries.
The programme, aimed at young NRIs, whose parents, grandparents or great grandparents are settled abroad, will seek to connect them with their ancestral roots and glorious cultural heritage of Punjab, a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s Office said here.
Chief Minister Amarinder Singh, who had announced the programme during his recent visit to London, briefed the Cabinet about the objective behind the scheme, aimed at creating awareness among the NRI youth about the real situation prevailing on the ground in Punjab.
“The scheme, initiated by the NRIs Affairs Department on the directives of the Chief Minister, would be open to young boys and girls in the age group of 16-22, and facilitate their learning of their family background and the culture to which they belong, and also to build an emotional bonding with the country of their roots,” the spokesperson said.
“The first group of such youngsters is expected around January 9, 2018, to coincide with the NRI Day and each group would comprise 15 youths.”
The Chief Minister said that following the cabinet approval, he will now write to the ambassadors and high commissioners of various countries, including the UK, Australia and Canada, to apprise them about the scheme and invite groups from these nations.
In the long run, the programme would enhance the engagement of NRIs, who could be a vital engine in Punjab’s progress, with the state.
The programme would provide the youngsters with an opportunity to visit their native place or the town where their parents or grandparents were born, or the place where they spent their childhood.
It will also give them a chance to learn and speak their native language, and see historical places, Amarinder Singh said.
–IANS
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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.