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Gender solidarity is positive: Sharmila Tagore
Mumbai, Oct 17 (IANS) Creating gender solidarity is a step towards a better tomorrow, believes veteran actress Sharmila Tagore, who says she faced brickbats and bouquets for some of her choices which are now celebrated as game changers.
Sharmila has spoken out in support of how the third edition of the Lux Golden Rose Awards, to be held later this year, has extended its stage to the global movement for gender equality, UN’s HeForShe.
She said in a statement: “As a female actor in Bollywood back in the day, owing to some choices I made I was often perceived by some as a social suspect and by some as a woman ahead of her times. Both brickbats and bouquets by different sections came my way, however I stood my ground. Today my decisions have been vindicated both by my industry colleagues and viewers.
“Ironically, those choices are even celebrated as game changers. True, it is empowering to make one’s own choices and continue to do what one believes in but it is even more joyful when we receive encouragement to do so rather than being questioned, put down or dissuaded. Creating gender solidarity is a positive concept and I congratulate Lux for their support to this significant movement of ‘HeForShe’.
The gala will pledge solidarity of male members of the film fraternity with their female counterparts and celebrate their presence and contribution.
Sharmila’s daughter-in-law Kareena Kapoor Khan, a successful actress herself, said: “According to the norms, the man is the bread earner. But if you see today, women are at the forefront too.”
Actress Madhuri Dixit-Nene welcomed the initiative “which makes us stronger together as an industry and as professionals”.
“We need to recognise that the magic of performances comes when both genders equally contribute with their unique sensibilities. It is unfair when credit or dues are denied on basis of gender,” she said.
Launched by the UN in 2014, HeForShe, a global initiative, is an invitation for men not to be bystanders and onlookers but involve themselves as active supporters who work along ?with women to create a better and stronger society.
–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.