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Publishing Rafale information fully justified, lawful: N. Ram

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New Delhi, March 6 (IANS) Former Editor of The Hindu newspaper, N. Ram, on Wednesday said that his newspaper was “totally justified” in publishing the information related to the Rafale fighter jets deal and underlined that he and the newspaper are protected by the law.

He also stressed that he would never reveal the identity of his sources, come what may, as he could not be forced to do so under any law.

This comes after the government told the Supreme Court that the documents relied upon by the newspaper, which published an account of the Rafale deal contrary to the Narendra Modi government’s narrative, had been stolen from the Defence Ministry.

The government also threatened to book the newspaper and its former Editor under the Official Secrets Act.

Ram said that any kind of investigative journalism, whether it relates to the national security or any other government policy, could draw the government’s ire as it could “always take cover under integrity and sovereignty of country, etc”.

“We are fully protected under the Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution of India which gives expression of freedom, and also by the Right to Information Act, specifically Sections 8(1)(i) and 8(2), which overwrites the Official Secrets Act of 1920,” Ram said in an interaction with NDTV news channel.

He called the Official Secrets Act an “obnoxious and repressive piece of legislation” that was enacted to protect the interests of the British Raj “against the people of India and against the freedom movement”.

“So, I don’t think there is any real threat here. And we don’t know how it will play in the Supreme Court as the hearing has been adjourned to March 14.

“All I can say is that we are fully justified in publishing this information. The investigative journalism comes into play precisely when the information which should be in public domain is not there, or is consciously suppressed as a cover-up. And I think it’s our duty to (unearth such details) provided the issue is relevant and of the larger public interest,” he said.

“We are absolutely committed to protecting the identity of the sources. Nothing can make me or us reveal the identity of the sources. Let the sources be absolutely assured on this. Fortunately, in India you can’t be forced to reveal your sources,” he added.

–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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