National
New forums for integrating Kerala diaspora into state’s economy: Vijayan
Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 13 (IANS) New forums like a chamber of commerce in all regions the Kerala diaspora is settled, a body for all professionals, setting up of a development fund are some of the fresh initiatives that the Kerala government will soon set up, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan announced at the concluding session of the first ‘Kerala Loka Sabha’ here on Saturday.
The two-day event, which began on Friday, saw participation of 351 members, including legislators, MPs from the state and some 130 selected representatives of Kerala-based organisations from within and outside the country.
Vijayan pointed out that all these initiatives have been formulated at the various sector wise discussions that took place and said this event will be held every other year.
“A new body comprising the business chambers in the various regions that our diaspora is there would be set up and it is meant so they could interact with the various chambers in our state for their development.
“A new body of professionals would also be set up so as they can also interact with the various organisations here to share their knowledge. Another idea that will now turn into a reality is the setting up of a development fund where the diaspora can contribute and once such people who return will be accommodated in such ventures that are set up here, based on their qualifications and experience,” he said.
In his speech on Friday, Vijayan said the main objective of this event is to ensure that through fresh initiatives, the diaspora could well be an engine for the state’s future growth.
The event was held in the building of the Kerala Legislative Assembly here and Kerala Speaker P. Sreeramakrishnan and a panel of seven members coordinated the event.
The BJP’s state unit on Saturday too termed the event “nothing but squandering of money”.
Senior BJP leader A.N. Radhakrishnan said that it’s strange that an event was held without even showcasing a single project.
“The state government can do a lot of things for the diaspora and for that all, what they need is to cooperate with the centre. Crores of money that is provided by the centre is being blown up and this is one such event,” he said.
Senior Congress legislator and son of former Chief Minister K. Karunakaran, K. Muraleedharan termed this meet as “nothing but a waste of money” at a time when the state coffers are practically empty.
“Precious funds are being wasted and this comes at a time when it’s been a few months that pension of the (state-run) Kerala State Road Transport Corporation employees has not been paid. The selection of the delegates to the meet has now come under criticism also. Something is wrong somewhere with this government,” he 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.