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Himalayan Echoes litfest draws to a close

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Nainital, Oct 7 (IANS) The Himalayan Echoes literary festival, featuring over 25 speakers in around 15 sessions, came to a conclusion here on Sunday.

The three-day event, also called the Kumaon festival of arts and literature, took place amid the scenic beauty and cultural heritage of Abbotsford — a heritage villa dating back to 1860s.

The concluding day was marked by meditation, a talk on Himalayan mountaineering routes, and a discussion on author and former Rajya Sabha MP Pavan Varma’s book on Hindu philosopher Adi Shankaracharya.

The day began with writer and classical violinist Joshua Pollock engaging the audience in a brief meditation session, and presentation of his new book, “The Heartfulness Way”.

The festival also saw distinct mountaineer and Royal Geographic Society’s Patron’s Medal winner Harish Kapadia talking about his book “Legendary Maps of the Himalayan Club”, with author Stephen Alter.

Apart from bringing to surface the importance of sketch maps for trekkers and mountaineers, the session had the two Himalayas lovers share anecdotes from the world of mountaineers.

The day also had JCB literature prize-shortlisted bestselling author Anuradha Roy discussing her latest and fourth book “All The Lives We Never Lived”, where she articulated the process of writing the novel.

The event also saw the launch of Viky Arya’s Hindi poetry book, in physical as well as audio format.

Non-profit Artreach India conducted a five-day art workshop with local school children producing an art installation made out of junk.

Launched by the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) Chief Executive Lobsang Sangay on Friday as part of a curtain-raiser to the fest, the installation called the “Kabadpur” explores the space of the city and the waste it produces, through upcycling garbage into something artful.

A session on the art of recycling by visual artists Manish Pushkale, Kinny Sandhu and Ita Mehrotra, gave perspectives on art and the importance of incorporating arts into the education curricula.

The festival concluded with a conversation between food critic and historian Pushpesh Pant with author-politician Pavan Kumar Varma.

The session gripped the audience’s attention on topics ranging from the sheer expanse of the cosmos to Hinduism as a philosophy and a religion, and to Adi Shankaracharya’s life.

“Himalayan Echoes” is mentored by writer-publisher Namita Gokhale, advised by advocate Anish Dayal and directed by author Janhavi Prasada.

On the first day of the festival, authors like Patrick French, Shobhaa De, and Saif Mahmood had talked about various themes.

–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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