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Diana Penty proud of India’s #MeToo movement
By Simran Sethi
New Delhi, Oct 11 (IANS) Actress Diana Penty has come out in support of women who are speaking about their sexual harassment experiences, saying she is proud of today’s women as it takes immense courage to talk about such issues.
“I am proud that the #MeToo movement has kick-started. It is commendable that women are coming out and bringing light to the issues which they went through in the past. It takes a lot of courage,” the “Happy Bhag Jayegi” actress told IANS here on Thursday at the ongoing Lotus Make-up India Fashion Week.
Sharing her own experience of sexual harassment, Diana said: “I used to go to school and college via train, so there were so many instances happened with me, which I don’t even have a count on now. At some stage in life, we all have gone through some kind of harassment — be it at a work place or somewhere else, we all have dealt with such fear in our life. ”
The former model has urged people not to be afraid, and that they must fight for justice.
“Now there is awareness among people. They know what is right and what is wrong. Now predators can’t get away with their crime easily. I hope this movement creates a secure place for women out there,” the 32-year-old added.
Diana wants families to teach their children at a young age to respect everyone irrespective of gender. At the same time, she feels the scenario will not change automatically as it will be a long process.
The actress was in the capital to walk the ramp for designer Vidhi Wadhwani. She looked ethereal in an all-white ensemble from Wadhwani’s collection ‘Ikigai’.
The line was inspired by the designer’s recent trip to Japan, a country of sensory overload where old world charm meets modern technology, and where populism meets minimalism.
Having started her career with modelling, Diana says she becomes nostalgic whenever she attends fashion shows now.
“It (modelling) was one of the best phases of my life. I have learned so much from modelling.
“I still miss the fashion shows where we had to walk on the ramp for five (consecutive) days (during a fashion week). My modelling days gave me the confidence and taught me how to stand tall in life. Be it fittings or ramp walks, I miss everything about the fashion shows.”
The actress says that with time, the fashion industry has changed a lot.
“It has become more professional. Now people don’t take models for granted. And there is a tremendous increase in the number of models in the fashion world. It is a good change,” Diana added.
(Simran Sethi can be contacted at [email protected])
–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.