Pranab all praise for Kalahandi ashram

Times of India, Dec 1, 2014
Bikash Khemka,TNN | Dec 1, 2014, 02.47 PM IST
BHAWANIPATNA: Confidence of tribal youth can be boosted through education, President Pranab Mukherjee said at Madanpur Rampur, 70 km from here, in Kalahandi district on Sunday. He inaugurated a newly-constructed Vivekananda Memorial Building at Ramkrishna Ashram. He had sanctioned Rs 1 crore for construction of the building when he was Union finance minister. 

He was commemorating 150th birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananada. "I am indeed happy to have the opportunity of visiting the ashram," he said. 

Centre decided to recognize contributions of Vivekananda and a national memorial committee was established under the leadership of Prime Minister. 

"I am the chairman of the committee for the implementation of the programme and Kalahandi was chosen as one of the places to commemorate sesquicentenary of Vivekananda's birth," he said. 

Addressing a function in tribal and Maoist-hit area, Pranab cited teachings of Vivekananda and asked all to work for socially-deprived to help in nation building. 

"This region is considered backward and poverty-stricken. Members of Lok Sabha, have many times raised various issues, pertaining to the area, in parliament. What is to be done is to instill confidence in youth and that confidence can come only through education," he said. 

Voicing concern over backwardness of the area, he noted that Madanpur-Rampur region was once home to a rich and glorious civilization and forest resources, which earned it the name of 'Mahakantara' or 'Great Forest'. The president announced Rs 2 crore for development of the area. 

Pranab appreciated the work being done by the ashram for welfare of poor, especially children, living in the area. He congratulated ashram secretary, saying Swami Vairagyanandji Maharaj travelled throughout India from Kashmir to Kanyakumari and spread the message of Swamiji. 

The projects implemented by ashram include establishment of facilities to provide education, lodging and coaching for tribal children, an innovative school, a residential training centre in agriculture and allied subjects, an old-age home, a mobile allopathy unit, a mobile homeopathy unit, an ayurvedic dispensary and a drug de-addiction centre. These initiatives, he said, will make the poor tribals self-sufficient. 

The President lauded a publication titled 'Bharat Parikrama-Kalahandi to Kashmir and Kanyakumari' brought out in Odia, saying it can help young minds understand what Vivekananda wanted to convey. 

He also unveiled a Vivekananda statue and met the ashram kids, who performed ghumra dance. 

Governor S C Jamir, Lok Sabha member Abhijit Mukherjee (Jangipur, West Bengal) and former MP Bhakta Charan Das, finance minister Pradip Amat and MP Arka Kesari Deo also spoke during the event. 

President Pranab Mukherjee for enlightening tribal youth through education

Economic Times, Nov 30, 2014
MADANPUR-RAMPUR (ODISHA): Confidence of tribal youths can be boosted through education, President Pranab Mukherjee said here today. 

Addressing a function in this tribal and Naxal-hit area, Mukherjee cited teachings of Swami Vivekananda and asked all to work for the socially-deprived to help in nation building. 

"This region is considered backward and poverty-stricken. Members of Lok Sabha representing this area have many times raised various issues pertaining to this area in Parliament. 

"What is to be done is to inject or instill confidence in youths and that confidence can come only through education," he said after inaugurating a newly constructed unit of Vivekananda memorial building at Shri Rama Krishna Ashram here. 

Voicing concern over backwardness and scarcity in this area which comes under Kalahandi district, he noted that Madanpur-Rampur region was once home to a rich and glorious civilisation and its forest resources had earned it the name of 'Mahakantara' or 'Great Forest'. 

Mukherjee appreciated the work being done by the Ashram for welfare of poor, especially children, living in the area. 

The projects implemented by Ashram include establishment of facilities to provide education, lodging and coaching for tribal children, an innovative school, a residential training centre in agriculture and allied subjects, an old age home, a mobile allopathy unit, a mobile homeopathy unit, an Ayurvedic dispensary and a drug de-addiction centre. 

These initiatives, he said, will make them self sufficient. 

"I congratulate them for their devotion and dedication," the President said. 

Mukherjee praised a publication entitled "Bharat Parikrama-Kalahandi to Kashmir and Kanyakumari" brought out in Odiya language, saying it can help young minds understand what Swami Vivekananda wanted to convey. 

Odisha Governor S C Jamir, Lok Sabha members Abhijit Mukherjee (Jangipur, West Bengal) and former Lok Sabha MP Bhakta Charan Das were among others present at the function. 

Irregularities in Kerosene Supply in Kalahandi: Letter by SACHIN KUMAR AGRAWAL

Respected Minister, Food Supply & Consumer Welfare, Govt of Odisha,

Sir,

A local oriya news daily by name "Samaja" in its Sambalpur Edition dated 30th November, has reported about "Serious Irregularities" in Kerosene Distribution through the PDS in Lanjigarh Block in Kalahandi District of Odisha.

The same news has time and again been reported by various newspapers but no step has been taken to curb it and even if some steps have been taken they seems to have no considerable impact upon the perpetrators.

I therefore request you to take this matter with utmost priority and order/advice/direct the district administration to be take immediate steps.

Let us help the needy with required Kerosene so that they do not go hungry. 

Attached the newspaper article for your easy reference and authenticity. 

Thank You.