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Digital India Award 2022: Electronic National Agriculture Market (e-NAM) initiative of Ministry of Agriculture won Platinum Award (1st)

 e-NAM, a flagship initiative of the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare,  has won the Platinum Award in the Digital Empowerment of Citizens Category in Digital India Awards 2022 held in New Delhi today. The President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, as Chief Guest of the event, has conferred the Digital India Awards, 2022 to Dr. N. Vijaya Lakshmi, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, in the presence of Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, Minister of Electronics & Information Technology, Railways & Communications and other dignitaries.

e-NAM is a digital platform integrating 1260 APMC mandis across 22 States and 3 UTs to facilitate online trading of 203 agriculture and horticulture commodities to enable farmers to realize better remunerative prices for their produce. e-NAM is catalysing the digital transformation of mandi operations and e- trading of agricultural commodities. As on 31.12.2022, more than 1.74 Crore farmers & 2.39 Lakh traders have been registered on e-NAM portal. A total trade consisting of 69 million metric tonnes of worth Rs. 2.42 lakh crore has been recorded on e-NAM platform.

e-NAM is providing various benefits/ facilities to farmers & other stakeholders such as providing access to prevailing commodity price on mobile app, GPS based feature capturing e-NAM mandis and mandi prices within ~100 kms radius along with route map, Advance lot registration, SMS alert on final bid price of the lot & payment receipt, Real time competitive price bidding through e-NAM, weighment integration for accurate weight, bidding progress available on mobile, facilitates direct trade between farmer and trader, direct payment to Farmer’s bank account, reduction in the transaction costs of buyers and sellers, FPO trading module to facilitate FPOs to e-trade through e-NAM  etc.

Further with the launch of “Platform of Platforms (PoPs) under e-NAM, a digital ecosystem has been created that leverages the expertise of individual service platforms across various segments of Agri value chain. e-NAM is empowering citizens by way of digitalization through ease of operation, accessibility, transparency and efficiency of operations for better price discovery for farmers.

Digital India Awards (DIA) has been instituted by MeitY, under the aegis of National Portal of India to encourage and honour innovative digital solutions/ exemplary initiatives by various government entities in the realm of Digital Governance. Digital India Awards 2022 aims to inspire and motivate not only government entities but also startups in fulfilling the Digital India vision. Digital India Awards 2022 were given under 07 different categories viz. Digital Empowerment of Citizens, Public Digital Platforms, Digital Initiatives in Collaboration with Start-ups, Digital Initiative for ease of doing business, Data sharing and use for socioeconomic development, Digital Initiatives at Grassroots level, Best Web & Mobile initiatives etc. Platinum, Gold & Silver awards have been given to the winning teams under different categories.

 

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DIGITAL INDIA AWARDS – 2022

 The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu presented the seventh edition of the Digital India Awards today (January 7, 2023) in New Delhi.

Speaking on the occasion, the President said that the Digital India Awards 2022 acknowledge, inspire and motivate not only Government entities but also startups to attain the vision of a digital India. The awards are but a step towards transforming India into a digitally empowered society where people’s potential is unleashed by effective use of digital governance. Congratulating the awards winners, she said that it was heartening to see the diverse range of innovations made to benefit the people – from citizen empowerment and data sharing platform to the ease of doing business.

The President said that social justice should be the prime objective of digital innovations. India would develop into a knowledge economy only when the digital divide is substantially bridged through use of technology. She expressed confidence that India is setting the right example of ensuring the inclusion of vulnerable and marginalised sections of society, strengthening economic, social, and cultural rights in our journey towards Digital Antyodaya.

The President said that India’s story of digital transformation is a story of innovation, implementation and inclusion. She emphasized on the need to create collaborative platforms to find innovative solutions to make the world a more accessible and equitable place.

The President said that Indian IT companies have done a remarkable job in making the world realise the value of the Indian talent. We should leverage prevailing policies and enable the ecosystem to position the country as a global powerhouse for software and hardware products by building innovative Made-in-India technologies.

The President said that data is the cornerstone of creating new knowledge, insights and thus solutions; and leads to whole new fields of application. We should focus on democratising the use of government data so that young technology enthusiasts can use it to build localised digital solutions.

The President was happy to note the innovative initiatives undertaken by Government entities at the grassroots level and also in collaboration with startups to foster public-private partnership. She said that we have to keep challenging ourselves to deliver innovative solutions to improve the ease of living for all citizens, be it in the judiciary, land registration, fertilizers or public distribution system.

Please click here for the President’s speech

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2nd National Conference of Chief Secretaries

 Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi addressed the second National Conference of Chief Secretaries in Delhi earlier today.

Prime Minister recalled the development milestones achieved by the country since the last conference in June 2022, citing various instances like India attaining Presidency of G20, becoming fifth biggest economy of the world, rapid registration of new startups, foray of private players in space sector, launch of National Logistics Policy, approval of National Green Hydrogen Mission, among others. He underlined that states and centre should work together and scale up the speed of progress.

Prime Minister said that in order to build a developed India, the country is focussing on four pillars of infrastructure, investment, innovation and inclusion. He said that today, entire world is reposing its faith in India and we are being looked up as a country that can bring stability to the global supply chain. He said that the country will be able to take full advantage of this only if states take lead, maintaining focus on quality and taking decisions with an India-first approach. He added that states should focus on pro-development governance, ease of doing business, ease of living and provision of robust infrastructure.

Launching the Aspirational Block Programme, Prime Minister underscored the success achieved in various Aspirational Districts in the country under the Aspirational District Program. He added that the Aspirational District model should now be taken up to block level in the form of the Aspirational Block Programme. He asked the officials present in the meeting to implement the Aspirational Block Programme in their respective states.

Discussing MSMEs, Prime Minister said that states must act proactively towards formalisation of MSMEs. He said that to make these MSMEs globally competitive, we need to make available finance, technology, market and access for skilling. He also discussed bringing more MSMEs on board the GeM portal. He said that we should take steps to make the MSMEs global champions and part of the global value chain. Discussing the success of the cluster approach in development of MSMEs, Prime Minister said that the linkage of MSME clusters and self help groups can be explored for promoting unique local products and getting GI tags registration for them, associating it with the endeavour of ‘one district one product’, adding that it will give fillip to the clarion call of vocal for local. He said that states should identify their best local products and help them attain national and international stature. Here, he also cited the example of Ekta Mall at Statue of Unity.

Prime Minister recalled the burden of over-regulation and restrictions once faced by the country, and reforms put in place to end thousands of compliances at central and state levels. He also spoke about the need to end old laws, some of which have persisted since independence.

Discussing how different government departments keep asking for the same documents, Prime Minister said that today the need of the hour is to move towards self-certification, deemed approvals and standardisation of forms. He also spoke about how the country is working towards bettering both physical and social infrastructure, and discussed PM GatiShakti National Masterplan. He also spoke about data security and the criticality of having a secure technology infrastructure for seamless delivery of essential services. He emphasised that states should try to adopt a strong cyber security strategy, adding that this investment is like an insurance for the future. Aspects related to cyber security audit management and development of crisis management plans were also discussed by him.

Prime Minister also discussed the development of coastal areas of the country. He said that the vast Exclusive Economic Zone of the country is equipped with resources and offers tremendous opportunities for the country. Stressing on the need for increased awareness of the circular economy, Prime Minister highlighted Mission LiFE (Lifestyle of Environment) and the important role the states can play in furthering it.

Stating that on India’s initiative, the United Nations has declared 2023 as the International Year of Millets, Prime Minister said that millets are not only smart food but are also environmentally friendly and may turn out to be a sustainable future food. He said that states should work on research related to millet products such that processing, packaging, marketing, branding etc and overall value addition of millet products is promoted. Prime Minister also discussed establishing ‘Millet Cafes’ at prominent public places and state government offices across the country, adding that millets may be showcased in the G20 meetings being held in states.

For the preparations related to G20 meetings in the states, Prime Minister stressed on the importance of involving the common citizens. He said that creative solutions should be envisaged  for achieving such ‘Citizen Connect’. He also advised the establishment of a dedicated team for preparations related to G20. Prime Minister also cautioned the states on the challenges posed by drugs, international crimes,  terrorism and disinformation originating in foreign soil.

Prime Minister discussed the need to enhance the capacity of bureaucracy and the launch of Mission Karmayogi. He said that the state government should also review their training infrastructure and launch capacity building programs.

Prime Minister said that about 4000 officers at various levels have worked to hold this conference of Chief Secretaries, for which more than 1 lakh 15 thousand man hours were invested. He said that these efforts should start reflecting on the ground as well, and asked states to develop and implement action plans based on the suggestions emanating from the conference. He added that NITI Aayog should also develop a health competition between the states in this regard.

 

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Tips to Design a Perfect Card

Wondering how to design a perfect card. Here are the tips – 
Basic design principles
It might seem obvious but it is worth reiterating that a card is a piece of printed design material like any other. This means the basic principles of paper-based design apply when it comes to designing cards. 
Get creative
You can get very creative with cards. A card needs to be easy to stow in a pocket, or wallet, and cards designed in very different sizes or formats may be more likely to get lost or thrown out. 
Make it tactile
Quality support and special finishes can allow you to design a more tactile card through embossing or debossing text or designs. 
Make your card useful
You have to be careful when you consider how to design a card with a function since it should be something that is relevant to your business and to your clients, and if making something useful means straying too far from the usual business card shape and size, your card might not be kept.

Guide to Start your own Card Store

 If you are passionate about the importance of cards and have a passion for a piece of good stationery, why not put your efforts to work and start a business in the card industry. 

Choose your niche

Finding your niche market is super important because it will allow you to build your craft and build a devoted customer base at the same time. Having a niche will give you a stronger selling point to market to customers. Take some time to think about what type of greeting cards catch your attention. When you choose your niche, it is important to consider more than just your taste. 

Write a business plan

Writing a business plan is an extremely important step toward learning how to start a card business. Writing a business plan can be a bit overwhelming if you are not sure where to start. 

Choose a business name

Every good business needs a memorable name. Before using a business name, you should make sure it is legally available. 

Choose a business entity

Another important decision you will likely make while writing your business plan is what business entity is right for your business. 

Define your products and services

When you identified your niche, you took the first step toward defining your products and services. 

Find a spot to sell your cards

A storefront may be your dream down the line to sell cards, but there are other great options for selling cards that have lower overhead costs.

How to Make DIY Greeting Cards

People always enjoy receiving a greeting card for any occasion. So, why go out to the store and pay up to rupees 10 for a card that would not make the person receiving it as happy as they would be if the card was homemade.  You can make a greeting card from scratch or on the computer easily enough, and you might have some fun doing it.


It is always helpful to have all your supplies laid out in front of you before you begin your project. 

Depending on what kind of greeting card you plan to make, you will need glue, scissors or a paper cutter, paper or blank cards, envelopes, small decorations to put on the card, and a pen or pencil.

You can also recycle things around the house.

Items such as buttons, ribbons, and old belts, all look great when properly attached to the cards.

You can simply cut the paper down to a smaller size using a paper cutter or even cut it into different shapes. 

You can draw something running throughout the card, like a sea monster or a landscape. 

If you know the person you are giving the card to, try to make something that would appeal to them.

Most greeting cards have generalized text before you get into the personal greeting.

Write something that perfectly matches the occasion. 

Take letters from newspapers or magazines of varying sizes and fonts and paste them around your card in a mix-matched manner to make it attractive.

Consider putting your signature on the back of the card so that the person it is being given to knows who made it.

At last, place the card in the envelope.

If you do not have a printer at home, visit a print shop to print out your card for a small fee.

Different Types of Cards

Sometimes it feels like a week does not go by without an event, celebration, or occasion that requires a greeting card. There are different types of cards that certainly grab the attention. 

Birthday cards
When it comes to celebrations, birthdays are something that most of us like to celebrate. So if you want your loved one’s birthday card to really stand out, creating an extra special design is a great way to show how much you care.

Anniversary cards
Whether it is your anniversary or someone else’s, marking the special occasion with a card shows you are thinking of the person or people you care about. 


Wedding or engagement cards

Celebrating a wedding or engagement is a special time for any couple, so to make your card stand out, make it extra personal. 

Baby shower cards
If you are going to a baby shower, before or after the baby arrives, a card for the baby shower can be a wonderful greeting and a treasured moment. 

Friendship card
Friendship cards mean you can have so much fun simply celebrating a friendship. Use a friendship card to show them all the reasons why you choose them to be a special part of your life. 

Thank you cards
This type of card has a wide potential audience. 

Mother’s and Father’s Day cards
Mother’s Day and Father’s Day are big dates on the card-giving calendar. 

Congratulations cards
A personalized congratulations card is a perfect choice for the recipient. 


Valentine’s Day cards

It is a great way to get Valentine’s Day card with special places, names, and unique references that only you two understand. 

Christmas cards
Get your own Christmas card, with an image of your family, a hand-drawn design of your own, or something that makes this special time of year unique to you.

Sachdeva Card Centre

Sachdeva card centre is an invitation printing service in Delhi. It is rated 5 stars based on 2 reviews. It is located in chawri bazaar, Delhi. This company is known to cater to the demands of its customer base. The business came into existence in 2004 and has been a known name in its field. The business strives to make for a positive experience through its offerings. 


Customer centricity is at the core of Sachdeva Card Centre in Chawri Bazaar. This business has a wide range of product offerings and the list includes visiting cards, wedding cards, sagan envelopes, etc. 


At Sachdeva Card Centre, cards support a wide variety of content, including images, text, links, and many more. The cards are created to produce an attractive final result that showcases your taste and personality. It is an effortless task in commuting to this establishment as there are various modes of transport readily available. The staff here are courteous and prompt at providing any assistance. They readily answer any queries or questions that you may have. They have a budget-friendly collection for you that you get curated according to your wish and desire. 


There is always an option for you to customize as per your own will and wish. They provide you with a solution that will fulfill your requirements for all the functions and events and will bring a smile on your face. Sachdeva Card Centre is the most perfect option for you and your loved ones. 

You can look at their catalogue to finalize for yourself. 

Shreyas Singh

Articles written by Shreyas Singh

1.     https://news.eindex.org/2022/08/business-application-software-to.html

2.     https://news.eindex.org/2022/08/why-vocational-studies-is-right-choice.html

3.     https://news.eindex.org/2022/08/reasons-to-consider-darjeeling-as-your.html

4.     https://news.eindex.org/2022/08/what-is-artificial-intelligence-ai.html

5.     https://news.eindex.org/2022/08/what-is-make-in-india.html

6.     https://news.eindex.org/2022/08/what-is-machine-learning.html

7.     https://news.eindex.org/2022/08/what-is-sustainable-development.html

8.     https://news.eindex.org/2022/08/the-smart-city-mission.html

9.     https://news.eindex.org/2022/09/what-is-web-hosting.html

10.  https://news.eindex.org/2022/09/hindi-diwas.html

11.  https://news.eindex.org/2022/09/world-ozone-day-2022.html

12.  https://news.eindex.org/2022/09/international-day-of-peace.html

13.  https://news.eindex.org/2022/09/world-tourism-day.html

14.  https://news.eindex.org/2022/10/national-unity-day.html

15.  https://news.eindex.org/2022/10/united-nations-day.html

16.  https://news.eindex.org/2022/11/world-polio-day-2022.html

17.  https://news.eindex.org/2022/11/national-education-day.html

18.  https://news.eindex.org/2022/11/world-pneumonia-day.html

19.  https://news.eindex.org/2022/11/childrens-day.html

20.  https://news.eindex.org/2022/11/national-law-day.html

21.  https://news.eindex.org/2022/11/world-aids-day.html

22.  https://news.eindex.org/2022/11/world-human-rights-day.html

23.  https://news.eindex.org/2022/11/international-animal-rights-day.html

24.  https://news.eindex.org/2022/11/indian-air-force-day-2022.html

25.  https://news.eindex.org/2022/11/national-energy-conservation-day.html

26.  https://news.eindex.org/2022/11/national-mathematics-day.html

27.  https://news.eindex.org/2022/11/national-farmers-day.html

28.  https://news.eindex.org/2022/11/world-kindness-day.html

29.  https://news.eindex.org/2022/12/national-milk-day-2022.html

30.  https://news.eindex.org/2022/12/republic-day-holiday-2023.html

31.  https://news.eindex.org/2022/12/international-world-braille-day.html

32.  https://news.eindex.org/2022/12/national-human-trafficking-awareness-day.html

33.  https://news.eindex.org/2022/12/national-youth-day.html

34.  https://news.eindex.org/2022/12/indian-army-day.html

35.  https://news.eindex.org/2022/12/national-girl-child-day.html

36.  https://news.eindex.org/2022/12/world-cancer-day-is-observed-annually.html

37.  https://news.eindex.org/2022/12/safer-internet-day.html

38.  https://news.eindex.org/2023/01/international-womens-day.html

39.  https://news.eindex.org/2023/01/world-ngo-day.html

40.  https://news.eindex.org/2023/01/zero-discrimination-day.html

41.  https://news.eindex.org/2023/01/world-consumer-rights-day.html

42.  https://news.eindex.org/2023/01/national-civil-services-day_5.html

43.  https://news.eindex.org/2023/01/world-autism-awareness-day.html

44.  https://news.eindex.org/2023/01/international-mother-earth-day.html

45.  https://news.eindex.org/2023/01/world-malaria-day.html

 

 

Why should you be hired for this role?

 I should be hired for this role because since childhood I love to work for others. During my school time, I have done social work along with my friends by helping in studies and by providing books to the needy students. In my opinion, by investing little time from our daily routine can make a big difference in someone’s life. I always feel fulfill when I am able to help others. Making a difference in my community is something that drives me every day. Also, working for needy people have always brought happiness to me that I am being able to make a difference in the life of a person. We often feel that if we haven’t done a thousand good deeds it is not worth it but in reality, every small action that makes even one person’s life better is commendable. When you are working with an NGO or any social organization, you are helping multiple people in different ways. Apart from this, you can learn a lot while doing social work, it enhances your perception of the world, and you understand the sociological aspects necessary to create an impact. You can interact with like-minded individuals that can help in your growth and development. It has a lot of benefits for you as well as the people you are helping. In addition to this, I have an advanced level proficiency in English langauge as recently I have given a TOEFL exam (Total scores – 96).

2023 Science Vision

 In a media interaction on the first day of the New Year, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology; Minister of State (Independent Charge) Earth Sciences; MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh today said, 2023 Science Vision will define India at 2047.

Dr Jitendra Singh added that the year 2023 also happens to be the first of the last 25 years or the last quarter of the calendar before independent India turns 100 at 2047 and realizes its century dreams.

This is also the year, the Minister said, when India under PM Narendra Modi reiterates its stature in the international fora as the host of G20 as well as the Nation on whose proposal the world is observing International Year of Millets.

Dr Jitendra Singh said, “The future belongs to those who have innovative ideas and out-of-box goals, and have the conviction and courage to achieve the same. The Minister emphasized that today we have a Prime Minister, who not only thinks out of box, but inspires 130 Crore Indians to take decisions with courage of conviction.

Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s penchant for “Innovation”, Dr Jitendra Singh pointed out to his Independence Day address, where he had said, “Till today we always remember our revered Lal Bahadur Shastri ji for his inspirational clarion call of Jai Jawan Jai Kisan meaning “Hail the Soldier, Hail the Farmer”. Later Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji added a new link of Jai Vigyan which meant “hail science” and we gave it utmost importance. But in this new phase Amrit Kaal now it is imperative to add jai anusandhaan that is “hail innovation”. “Jai Jawan Jai Kisan Jai Vigyan Jai Anusandhaan.”

Dr Jitendra Singh underlined that in the Centre –State Science Conclave held in September, 2022 also, Modi had highlighted that in order to make India a global center of research and innovation in this Amrit Kaal, we have to work on many fronts simultaneously and stressed the need to take science and technology-related research to the local level. 

Departments dealing with Science and Technology have already outlined their focus and thrust areas for the year 2023. 

ISRO, after the opening up of Space Sector to private participants on the intervention of PM Modi, today has more than 100 StartUps in a short span of time. At the same time, its focus is on scientific exploration missions, Technology Demonstration missions and Human spaceflight programme “Gaganyan” in 2024. 

The department of Biotechnology (DBT) would take forward the successes of COVID-19 vaccine mission by investing in improvement of vaccines for the existing and emerging diseases. Significantly, major missions would also be launched on millets and patho-genomics of plant viruses in the International Year of Millets.

CSIR in 2023 will also focus on Green Hydrogen as it has already made a headway in Green Hydrogen indigenous as part of clean energy mission.

The Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) will focus on Deep Sea mission & technologies which will add value to India’s economy in the years to come. 2023 will also witness further headway in Blue Economy. Significantly, PM Modi referred to Deep Ocean Mission twice in his Independence Day address, first in 2021 and then again in 2022.

Department of Atomic Energy, DAE in its contribution to India’s Electoral Management will deliver about 21.00 lakh equipment for the Election Commission of India which includes Ballot Units (BU), Control Units(CU) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) to be completed by ECIL by Sept/Oct 2023. 

 

Soldier Saint concept that secures physical boundaries as well as spiritual wellbeing of the Nation

 Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh said that the World today recognizes India as military power to be reckoned with, due to the Government’s pitching in for ‘Self-reliant India” which is based on ‘‘Prosperity through industry” preaching of Shri Narayan Guru of Sivgiri Mutt. He was addressing the congregation of saints and learned elders gathered at Sivagiri Mutt, Kerala to celebrate the Tirthdanam Mahotasav on 30th December, 2022. “His preaching of prosperity through industry is the basis of the Government of India’s resolution of “Self-reliant India”. Today India is one of the largest economies of the world because of its hard work and enterprise. Today India has become the top five economies of the world”,Said shri Rajnath  Singh and added that “It was the far-sightedness of Sree Narayana Guru that he ordered Sivagiri Math to spread consciousness among the common people on subjects like education, cleanliness etc. And with the grace of Guruji and the blessings of revered saints, our government has also focused its special attention on these subjects.”

Invoking the Soldier Saint concept, the Raksha Mantri pointed that as a Defence Minister he is securing the physical boundaries of the country on the strength of the bravery and valour of the soldiers, likewise the saintly soldiers are protecting the culture of the country. “If we are protecting the body of the country, then you are protecting the soul of this country. And a Nation can survive till eternity only when both its body and soul are safe. I congratulate you for this.”

Shri Rajnath Singh added that Self-reliance has been an intrinsic part of India’s culture. Shri Narayan Guruji spread this message of self-reliance in the public through his teachings, and today Sivagiri Mutt is also working to take it forward continuously. Guruji was not only in favor of modernity, but also maintaining a balance between India’s ancient culture and modernity, which is relevant even today. It has been corroborated by India becoming one of the largest economies of the world through hard work and enterprise, he said.  

Paying his tribute to the sacred land of Kerala that has produced great saints, philosophers, and poets who not only ingrained high ideals and values in the heart of the common man, but also united the entire nation, the Raksha Mantri said that Acharya Shankara, born in a small village Kaladi, traveled all over India and culturally integrated the entire nation. It was unprecedented in itself. “The principle of oneness of the whole world as postulated by his philosophy of Advaitvaad, is still embedded in the soul of the country inspiring different sections of the society to remain united and equal. Sree Narayana Guru ji is undoubtedly one such name in the chain of enriching cultural unity”,  he said.

Discarding the criticism of Indian tradition, thinking and philosophy not being concerned with equality, liberty and fraternity, which is considered as Western concept, Shri Rajnath Singh said that the concept of human equality and fraternity has been prevalent in the ancient literature, tradition and thinking of India. Rather It is more comprehensive and inclusive than that of the western one. Whereas the West talks about equality, liberty and fraternity only among human beings, the Indian tradition, in the form of  ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ i.e. ‘Whole world is one family’ sees equality, fraternity and unity between human beings and animals, between animate and non-animate beings and in fact entire World and Universe . “And this is the reason why India was recognized as Vishwaguru in ancient times”, he said.

The Raksha Mantri further elaborated upon the equality and unity of world by quoting various texts and tenets of Ved, Upanishad, Gita and Ramayan. He apprised the gathering of the ‘Adaitvaad’ of Acharya Shankara which is a synonym for universal equality. He mentioned that Shri Narayan Guru gave the slogan of “freedom through education” during the freedom struggle. “It is also found in our ancient commentaries that knowledge liberates a man. Education leads to enlightenment, which leads to freedom.”

Sivagiri Mutt is a famous tourist pilgrimage place in Varkala town of Thiruvananthapuram district in Kerala. The Mutt also headquarters Sree Narayana Dharma Sangham, an organisation of Sree Narayan Guru’s disciples and followers. Sivagiri pilgrimage, known as Sivagiri Theerthadanam in Malayalam is another important festival celebrated in the Mutt.

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Mega Dairy at Mandya, Karnataka

 Union Home and Cooperation Minister Shri Amit Shah inaugurated Mega Dairy at Mandya in Karnataka today. Several dignitaries including Nirmalanandanatha Mahaswamiji, the 72nd Pontiff of Sri Adichunchanagiri Mahasamsthana Math, Mandya, Chief Minister of Karnataka, Shri Basavaraj Bommai, former Prime Minister Shri HD Deve Gowda and Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Coal and Mines Shri Pralhad Joshi were present on the occasion.

Condoling the demise of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s mother, Shri Amit Shah paid tributes to her and said that the whole country is standing with the Prime Minister in this hour of grief. The Union Home and Cooperation Minister said that since independence, the farmers of the country had demanded a Ministry of Cooperation separate from the Ministry of Agriculture. He said that he would like to thank Prime Minister Narendra Modi for paving the way for the development of farmers by forming a separate Ministry of Cooperation. Shri Shah said that from the inaugural platform of Mandya Mega Dairy, he wants to tell the cooperative workers across the country that it is the decision of the Government of India that there will be no injustice to the cooperatives.

The Union Cooperation Minister said that the mega dairy inaugurated today at a cost of Rs 260 crore would process 10 lakh liters of milk per day and the will have the capacity to increase it upto 14 lakh liters per day. He said that when 10 lakh liters of milk is processed, prosperity reaches the homes of lakhs of farmers. Shri Shah said that in Karnataka, the cooperative dairy is working very well. Today, there are 15,210 village level cooperative dairies in Karnataka, in which about 26.22 lakh farmers deliver their milk daily and through 16 district level dairies, Rs 28 crore is deposited into the accounts of 26 lakh farmers every day.

Shri Amit Shah said that around 66,000 kg milk used to be processed daily in Karnataka in 1975 while today over 82 lakh kg milk is processed daily and 80% of the total turnover goes to the farmer. The Union Cooperation Minister said that the White Revolution in Gujarat has changed the fortunes of the farmers and through Amul, 60,000 crore rupees is deposited into the bank accounts of about 36 lakh women annually. He said that he would like to assure all the farmer brothers and sisters of Karnataka that Amul and Nandini will work together towards establishing primary dairies in every village of Karnataka and in next three years there will not be a single village in Karnataka where primary dairy has not been established. Shri Amit Shah said that the government has decided that the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) and the Ministry of Cooperation will establish a primary dairy in every panchayat of the country in the next three years and a complete action plan has been prepared in this regard. He said that with this, two lakh primary dairies will be established at the village level across the country in three years, through which India will emerge as a big exporter in the milk sector by connecting the farmers of the country with the White Revolution.

The Union Home and Cooperation Minister said that Karnataka Milk Federation will be provided with technical support, cooperative sector support and overall functioning support from Amul and all its requirements will be addressed  by the Ministry of Cooperation. He said that Gujarat and Karnataka together can work for the welfare of the milk producing farmers of the whole country. Union Cooperation Minister appreciated the Government of Karnataka under the leadership of Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai for ensuring depositing Rs 1,250 crore directly to bank accounts of milk producing farmers through DBT at the rate of Rs 5 per liter during the year. Shri Amit Shah said that Government led by Shri Bommai is crediting Rs. 1,250 crore annually through DBT to the accounts of milk producing farmers and also to remove malnutrition among children through the Ksheer Bhagya scheme, milk is being provided to 65 lakh children in 51,000 government schools and 39 lakh children in 64,000 Anganwadis .Shri Amit Shah congratulated the Chairman of Mandya Milk Producers Committee for his efforts to increase the income of all the farmers of Mandya district through dairy.

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