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Modi’s invitation took Obama by surprise
Washington: Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s invitation to President Barack Obama to be the first American leader to be the chief guest at India’s Republic day took him by “some surprise” but he felt “personally honoured” to accept.
Given the “complicated history” between the two countries, “I think it took us by some surprise,” Deputy National Security Adviser Ben Rhodes told reporters Tuesday in a conference call previewing the visit.
“There’s a great affinity between the US and India and our people, but there’s also a history that is complicated and that would have made it seem highly unlikely that a US President would be sitting with India’s leaders at their Republic Day ceremony,” he said.
“So I think President Obama was personally honoured to receive that invitation. I think he saw it as building on a successful summit with Prime Minster Modi,” Rhodes said.
“And I think he sees this as a potentially transitional if not transformational moment for the relationship because we have a very strong and clear indication from India’s leadership that they want to elevate our bilateral cooperation and our global cooperation.”
Rhodes noted that Obama has not attended any national day ceremonies of any other countries.
“It’s a unique event, but it’s I think of great symbolic importance, given the US-India history and given the importance of Republic Day in India,” he said. “And so that’s why he was more than pleased to accept the invitation.”
Although the White House had not scheduled the State of the Union message when the invitation from Modi came, it “certainly took the timing of the India trip into account in setting the date” and in its outreach to Congressional leaders.
Turning to the chemistry between Modi and Obama, Rhodes noted that in their first conversation after Modi’s election, “they noted some similarities in terms of how their campaigns kind of changed the way in which politics was practiced in their respective countries.”
“So I think what they shared off the bat was a similar experience of having run these very dynamic campaigns,” he said. “And then during the Prime Minister’s visit here I think they struck up a very good chemistry”
“So our hope is that the chemistry between the leaders and the personal relationship can lead to positive outcomes for our country,” Rhodes said.
“And so it’s worth the investment in the relationship with the country, the leader, and the people of India.”
Turning to the President’s security requirements, Rhodes noted that during his two inaugurations, Obama had substantial parades, in which he walked and then was on a reviewing stand for a period of hours in front of the White House.
That was the closest analogy to India’s Republic Day, he said. But “There’s not been a similar event that he’s attended overseas in which he’s done so, so it’s unique in that case,” Rhodes acknowledged.
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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.
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