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Thai cave rescuers in Queen’s New Year Honours List
London, Dec 29 (IANS) The British divers which helped rescue a young Thai soccer team from a flooded cave this year have been awarded medals by Queen Elizabeth II in her 2019 New Year’s honours list.
Richard Stanton and Johnathan Volanthen, the first divers to reach the 12 boys and their coach after they became trapped in June, were awarded the George Medal, the second highest civilian gallantry award.
Three divers were made MBEs or Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire and two others receive the Queen’s Gallantry Medal.
Divers Joshua Bratchley, Lance Corporal Connor Roe and Vernon Unsworth, were appointed MBEs for their role in the dramatic rescue operation that gripped the world’s attention, while Christopher Jewell and Jason Mallinson were given the Queen’s Gallantry Medal for exemplary acts of bravery.
These divers were among 1,148 people who appeared on the honours list, released at the end of each December to recognize outstanding achievement and service. The honours lists are issued twice — at the new year and for the Queen’s birthday.
Authors Margaret Atwood and Philip Pullman, former England cricket captain Alistair Cook, 1960s model Twiggy, actress Thandie Newton and Hollywood director Christopher Nolan were among the hundreds to be recognized on the annual honours list.
Comedy group Monty Python member Michael Palin — who starred in such films as “Monty Python and the Holy Grail” and “The Life of Brian” — was awarded a knighthood for his services to travel, culture and geography because of his work as a travel writer and TV presenter.
Pullman, who wrote “His Dark Materials”, was awarded a knighthood for his services to literature.
A CBE or Commander of the Order of the British Empire was awarded to Lesley Lawson, more commonly known as the model Twiggy, who became famous for her short hair, mini skirts and wide-eyed look and will now have the title of dame.
Nolan, who directed “Dunkirk” and the “Dark Knight” trilogy, was also honoured with a CBE.
Newton, the Emmy-winning actress who starred in the HBO series “Westworld,” was named an OBE or Order of the British Empire, while “Handmaid’s Tale” author Atwood was made a member of the Order of the Companions of Honour.
Forty-three of this year’s awards recognized those involved in the response to terrorist incidents.
The recipients will receive their awards from the Queen in ceremonies scheduled throughout the coming year.
–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.