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We love all languages as we don’t believe in divisive politics: Mamata
Kolkata, Feb 21 (IANS) West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday expressed love for all languages while strongly voicing dissent against the attacks on Kashmiris and against all divisive voices.
“We love all languages, religion, culture as we don’t believe in divisive politics. We don’t have such mindset,” Banerjee said during a celebration of International Mother Language Day.
She said that one cannot ask a Rajasthani or a Punjabi residing in the state, not to speak in their own mother tongue. The entire nation will be at “peace” if all the citizens spanning from Kashmir to Kanyakumari and all corners of the country will be at ease.
Referring to a case of assault on a Kashmiri shawl seller in Nadia district after the Pulwama attack, she said: “Can we ask a Kashmiri shawl seller not to come? I believe that action should be taken if such incidents happen. I don’t believe in the theory that a section of people can take law in their stride by deciding who will stay and who will not.”
Banerjee expressed shock regarding a group of people ‘daring to approach a Kashmiri doctor’s house who had spent 20 years in the city and ask him to leave’.
The incident happened in Kolkata’s Tiljala area.
Indirectly hitting out at the BJP-led Central government she said: “Who are these people and how much power do they have? I will tell the people of this political party, who wants to divide the nation, that my mother tongue does not teach us hatred.”
Also, if someone speaks up they are being labelled as ‘in favour of India’ or ‘in favour of Pakistan’. Now everything starting from language, religion, food etc. is being dictated, she alleged.
“We want united India. I do not hate these people who are spreading communal violence but it burns my heart as these things are unacceptable. I did not speak these things to hurt anybody’s sentiments,” Banerjee said.
The Chief Minister proudly said that West Bengal is the land that teaches respect for all languages as people grow up learning that one should not spread hatred.
She pointed out that her government had given official status to Rajbanshi, Ol Chiki, Urdu and other languages so that everyone can work freely.
–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.