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PDA will redraw Nagaland’s all-inclusive roadmap for development: Rio
Kohima, March 8 (IANS) Newly sworn-in Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Thursday said the People’s Democratic Alliance (PDA) coalition government will redraw a new roadmap of progressive development in Nagaland.
“We have committed in our manifesto that we will remove VIP culture from Nagaland. We will ensure that the citizens of the state are the real VIPs,” Rio said after he took oath as Chief Minister for the fourth time.
The PDA includes 18 members from Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP), 12 from BJP, one from the Janata Dal-United and an Independent in the 60-member state assembly.
“Our alliance has come to power on the back of a campaign that promised change,” he said.
Promising good governance, rule of transparency and commitment to bring about a culture of meritocracy, Rio said: “We will redraw a new roadmap of progressive development in a manner that is all inclusive and involves all stakeholders.”
The veteran Naga politician promised the Chief Ministers of Assam (Sarbananda Sonowal), Arunachal Pradesh (Pema Khandu), Manipur (N. Biren Singh) and Meghalaya (Conrad Sangma) the fullest cooperation of his government to work together under a spirit of unity and understanding in the greater interest of the people.
On the ongoing Naga peace dialogue, the Chief Minister said the alliance remained committed to its promise of facilitating the peace process.
“We will make every effort to contribute towards achievement of an honourable solution that is inclusive and acceptable to the people as early as possible.
“We will extend our fullest cooperation to the Centre under Prime Minister Narendra Modi in our collective endeavour to bring lasting peace and all round development in Nagaland,” he added.
He expressed hope that both the treasury and opposition would work together in a constructive manner in order to bring about economic growth and all round development.
While congratulating all ranks and files of the NDPP and BJP, he said: “Our campaign has remained dignified, responsible and mature and we can say with pride that we have strengthened the foundations of democracy with our conduct.”
“We are humbled by our victory and the People’s Democratic Alliance, which includes the JDU, the NPP and the Independent, promise that we will not allow any vote cast in our favour to go in vain.
“We will bring change, we will work for all sections and we will leave no one behind,” the Chief Minister stated.
“We are honoured to have Union Defence Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman,” Rio said, on the day, which was also celebrated as “International Women’s Day” and added that his party “NDPP stands for women empowerment and gender equality”.
The NDPP-BJP, which stitched a pre-poll alliance and contested in 40 and 20 assembly seats, respectively, formed the PDA after the election results were declared on March 3.
The tribal-centric NPP, which won two seats in Nagaland, withdrew its support to the PDA coalition saying they were yet to obtain endorsement from its party President Conrad Sangma.
The NPF won 27 seats in the 60-member Nagaland Assembly.
On Monday, the BJP announced it had severed its 15-year-old alliance with the NPF.
–IANS
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Dr. Abhishek Verma Dedicates a Shelter in Memory of His Mother, Veena Verma, at KGMU; Inaugurated by Daughter Nicolle Verma
World-renowned business tycoon Dr. Abhishek Verma has supported Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission. In memory of his mother, Late Veena Verma, who was a 3 term Rajya Sabha MP.
Dr. Verma dedicated a state-of-the-art free permanent shelter for the attendants of patients at KGMU Medical University, Lucknow, under the aegis of Vijay Shree Foundation. His daughter, Nicolle Verma, inaugurated the shelter.
During the event, Foodman Vishal Singh honored Nicolle Verma by presenting her with a memento. Mrs. Nidhi Sharma and Avantika Yadav, associated with the organization, welcomed her with garlands. Following this, Nicolle Verma distributed essential items to the attendants and also handed out fruits. She became emotional remembering her grandmother on her birth anniversary.
On this occasion, she also inaugurated the “Veena Verma Sevalaya” in memory of her grandmother, Veena Verma, to serve the attendants. She expressed, “I feel proud that my family is engaged in nation-building as well as social service. Today, in collaboration with Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh Ji, I feel immensely proud to dedicate this shelter for the poor, helpless, and needy attendants of patients battling serious illnesses like cancer. I am honored to be associated with the Hunger-Free World Mission for humanity.”
Inspired by the continuous humanitarian service provided by Vijay Shree Foundation over the past 17 years, Nicolle Verma donated 10 lakh rupees to support the cause. The purpose of this donation is to ensure that services continue for the needy attendants of patients suffering from severe illnesses in hospitals, as facilitated by Foodman Vishal Singh.
It is noteworthy that Dr. Abhishek Verma’s family has a legacy of public and philanthropic service. They are helping millions to carry forward the values and service work of their parents. On the occasion of his mother’s birth anniversary, Dr. Abhishek Verma dedicated this state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College to serve the attendants of patients through the Vijay Shree Foundation.
Supporting Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission, Dr. Abhishek Verma assured that he would continually support keeping this flame of humanity alive. He also promised to assist in providing medicines to the helpless patients.
Continuing her grandmother’s legacy of service, Nicolle Verma personally served food to the needy patients and attendants. She said, “It is our good fortune to have received the joy of doing this noble work today through Foodman Vishal Singh. I have taken another step forward in carrying my family’s values and cooperation by joining hands with the Vijay Shree Foundation. My father taught me to serve and help the needy, and I feel happy when I bring a smile to someone’s face.”
On the birth anniversary of the late Veena Verma, the event organizer, Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh, said, “We feel proud and happy that Dr. Abhishek Verma, a globally renowned business tycoon, has extended his support to uplift our country from the hunger index. Today, on his mother’s birth anniversary, he inaugurated a state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College, which will always be helpful for the needy attendants of patients. It is a pleasure for me and the organization to receive the affection of Mr. Verma.”
The event was attended by General Manager Verma Family Office Hemant Garg, Sonu Rajput, and the organization’s volunteers, including Sandeep Singh, Parmeshwar Ji, Prashant Rao Gautam, Balram Singh, Ramesh Chaudhary, Suman, Jeetu, Anil, Suraj, Vinay, Manish Bhadauria, Manas Mehrotra, Vivek, Apurv, Happy, and others.