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Modi accuses Congress of ignoring cities
Indore, June 23 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday accused the Congress of ignoring urban infrastructure during its rule, saying that Indian cities were wrecked by traffic jams, power deficits and leaking sewage system and his government had invested heavily to bring up the infrastructure according to 21st century standards.
Modi, who inaugurated urban projects across various locations across poll-bound Madhya Pradesh including houses under Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana, and distributed the Swachh Survekshan-2018 Awards, described Indore as the country’s “cleanest city”.
Terming cities as “energy centres”, he said they draw people in large numbers in search of better study and employment opportunities but had been ignored over the years which led to increase in population but not the facilities.
“Shortage of water, disorder in power supply, leaking sewage system, traffic jams on roads, widespread dirt and filth, this is the identity that Congress has given to our cities after its long rule but our government has taken upon itself to bring urban infrastructure to the levels of 21st century,” Modi said.
He said BJP-led government has spent Rs 2.30 lakh crors on urban renewal in the last four years compared to Rs 95,000 crore spent by Congress-led UPA government in 10 years.
Modi also expressed optimism about his government achieving its cleanliness target.
“Our dream of Swacch Bharat for (Mahatma) Gandhiji’s 150th birth anniversary is now on the verge of becoming a reality. The people have now set aim that India will achieve total cleanliness. We have constructed more than eight crore toilets in the last four years. More than 65 lakh toilets have been constructed in MP only,” he said.
He said changing mindset of people was important to achieve cleanliness.
“Every Indian should take a pledge to keep cities clean. Indore’s ranking as the cleanest city is a perfect example to those who thought that Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan is a joke, who mocked our scheme,” Modi said.
Modi also remembered Devi Ahilyabai Holkar and said her contribution to Indore’s development was fondly remembered by people.
“Ahilyabai always cared about people. During her rule, she paid attention even to minute of issues faced by public. There is a lot to learn from her administrative skills,” he said.
–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.