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Nagaland CM calls for lasting peace to bolster state’s economy
Kohima, Aug 15 (IANS) Thousands of people across Nagaland on Wednesday celebrated the nation’s 72nd Independence Day amidst tight security, as Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio called for lasting peace to bolster the state’s economy.
Rio unfurled the tricolour at the Secretariat Plaza and took the salute from marching contingents including paramilitary forces, Nagaland Police, National Cadet Corps, Scouts and Guides besides school students.
Noting that a lot needs to be done at the infrastructural level in the state, Rio said: “We need to build roads and maintain them, create employment opportunities for our youth to enable them to live their dreams and reach their potential.
“We are proud of our history and cultural heritage. We need lasting peace in our land as a conducive environment for investors that allows them to do business without compromising on our history, customs and culture.
“This will help create jobs and bolster our economy into the league of developed states. This is an achievable goal and today with the booming Indian economy we have a great opportunity to be an equal and proud partner in the Indian growth story.
“Let us join hands and work towards transforming Nagaland by inculcating consistency in work ethics for the overall development and progress of Nagaland in every aspect,” the Chief Minister added.
On the state’s insurgency issue, Rio said the ruling People’s Democratic Alliance government is committed to play the role of an active facilitator in the ongoing political negotiations between the Centre and the Naga insurgent groups.
“Several measures that include setting up of a Political Affairs Committee, conducting consultative meets with tribal Hohos and civil society groups and calling on the representatives of the Indian government regularly in order to create a conducive atmosphere for an early solution of the vexed Naga insurgency issues,” he said.
“In our meeting with the tribal Hohos .. it was unanimously resolved to urge all Naga political groups including NSCN-K (National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Khaplang) to renew the ceasefire with Indian government and to join the peace talks in order to realise a solution that is inclusive.”
Moreover, he said a significant resolution was a request to the Honourable Speaker of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly to reconstitute the erstwhile Joint Legislators Forum for pursuing an early solution of the Naga political issue.
On the integration of all contiguous Naga inhabited areas, the Chief Minister said: “This is legitimate and democratic right of the people consistently. We appeal to our neighbouring states (Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, and Manipur) to appreciate the history and democratic rights of the Nagas under a spirit of mutual respect so that we can live together as good neighbours under an environment of harmonious coexistence and brotherhood.”
He also appealed to the negotiating parties, specially the Centre to expedite the peace process and respond to the voice of the people by bringing a political solution at the earliest.
“On our (state government) part, we reiterate our commitment to pave the way for an alternative arrangement that may arise from the political agreement.
“We urge all sections of Naga society to come together under a spirit of unity and oneness, so that together we strengthen the peace process and create an environment that is congenial for successful conclusion of the ongoing negotiations,” Rio added.
–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.