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Singer Sona Mohapatra accuses Sufi NGO of ‘threats’

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Mumbai, May 1 (IANS) Singer Sona Mohapatra on Tuesday accused a Sufi Muslim NGO, Madariya Sufi Foundation (MSF), of hurling threats after it found her music video “Tori Surat” vulgar and which could flare communal passions. The MSF has denied the charge.

She revealed the ‘threats’ in a series of tweets to Mumbai Police Commissioner Datta Padsalgikar, saying the MSF has asked her to remove her music video from all communication media.

“They claim that the video is vulgar, will flare communal tensions,” said the 41-year-old Mohapatra in her tweets late on Monday.

However, MSF spokesperson Sameer Mohammed Boghani termed Mohapatra’s allegations as “belated, mischievous and twisted out of turn” to suit her interests.

“We have sent her an email raising concerns over the content of the music videos, the copies of which were also sent to Mumbai Police Commissioner, Khar Police Station head, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Indian Broadcasting Foundation and Custodian of Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya Dargah, Delhi, on April 22. How come she sensed the so-called threats after so many days?” Bhojani told IANS.

He said that the MSF in its email (a copy is available with IANS) pointed out some 10 objectionable points in the music video content which have hurt the sentiments of Muslims, the Sufi spiritual heads, the Chishtiya Sufi Brotherhood, the Sufi Khanaqas and the Custodians and followers of Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya.

“We requested her to remove the objectionable video and tender an apology failing which we would initiate appropriate legal proceedings. How can this be construed as a threat in any manner?” Bhojani asked.

Among other things, Mohapatra said the MSF and the Nizamuddin Dargah (New Delhi) have an issue with the description of the music video, “earthy incarnations of the feminine Divine,” and with “a sleeveless dress and body exposing dancer”.

In another tweet to Padsalgikar, Mohapatra said that she had got a ‘threatening email notice’ from the MSF demanding that she pull out the music video which has been cleared by the Censor Board.

She pointed out that the MSF has called her “a regular offender” and has found a five-year-old video of hers rendering a Sufiana Kalam “Piya Se Naina” on “Coke Studio” as insulting to Islam because she had exposed her body and playing to western music.

A Mumbai Police spokesperson declined to comment on Mohapatra’s issue.

The singer, hailing from Odisha, rued that in the past, when she was threatened with rape, mutilation and acid attacks during the Salman Khan controversy, she received “no real help or remedy” but despite that she was safe.

The Thane-based MSF describes itself as a “non-profit humanitarian trust” working to promote Sufism, peace, justice and human rights, besides academic research.

–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

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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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