Shriji Arvind Singh, a ‘custodian’ who follows Mewar’s eternal ethos religiously

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September 2, 2020, 10:50 PM

Arvind Singh, a former ruler of Mewar, better known as Shriji, seated at Udaipur, the lake city of India, has been generously giving back to the society in the post-privy-purse-abolition era with his best managerial skills.
In present times, it might be difficult to count all the erstwhile princely houses, however, it is not difficult to figure out how Arvind Singh has created a difference amongst all by being a Custodian and not a King by following eternal ethos to turn Udaipur into Centre of Excellence. Harsh Vardhan sheds light on the 76th Custodian of House of Mewar…

Shriji Arvind Singh is proud to outline how the Sisodia dynasty ruled since ancient times, and says, “The House of Mewar is acknowledged as the world’s oldest-serving dynasty, has faced challenges, which have tested the maintenance of the Custodianship form of governance and the Custodians’ commitment to carry on serving as the Diwan of Shree Ekling ji…..” The mantle of 76th Custodian devolved upon Shriji Arvind Singh Mewar as a “Diwan” (Prime Minister) and not as a King…..”

Shriji Arvind Singh, a ‘custodian’ who follows Mewar's eternal ethos religiously — Ashwapooja Panorama (photo courtesy Shriji)

Mewar rulers, trustees of Ekling ji

The Mewar rulers, therefore, serve as “trustees” of Ekling ji, a manifestation of Lord Shiva, who is the Eternal Ruler of Mewar, as had been ordained by Bapa Rawal, thanks to the blessings reverend Bapa received from Maharshi Harit Rishi during 728 AD. The ancient temple of Ekling ji is located about 30 km North of Udaipur.

Mewar Foundation Annual Awards

As early as 1980, then Maharana Bhagwat Singh Mewar had instituted Maharana Mewar Foundation Annual Awards. He was a visionary ruler who possessed know-how as well as do-how. He knew how to invite best of the business houses to join hands. Udaipur’s Lake Palace, a dream resort in the world, owes its creation to this dynamic ruler.

Spreading the essence of Mewar…

To carry forward father’s principled philosophy, Shriji has emerged as an oracle in Mewar’s contemporary history: transforming properties, injecting ease-to-do-business, creating new business idioms, and offering gainful employment to all deserving besides inducting an international work-ethos which other princes only dream. Heritage conservation and promotion, philanthropy, eco management, academic institutions, history, chivalry, glory, splendour, tradition and much more, all are encompassed in his daily routine. Visit any corner of his property and you experience the essence of Mewar, sustaining culture in its best formats.

Committed to develop Udaipur as ‘centre of excellence‘

Shriji’s new idiom is his commitment to develop Udaipur as a ‘Centre of Excellence’. The House of Mewar welcomes collaboration and joint ventures with competent willing persons or agencies for long-term association. He means it. Visit the Aodhi, a castle he created at Kumbhalgarh, or Gajner Palace which he refurbished but kept alive its enshrined spirit, or Fateh Bagh at Ranakpur, which is an eco-lodge, and you inhale a different oxygen as generated therein. His ecological concern is to be experienced at all nooks and corners of his properties and palaces, eg Shiv Niwas Palace and Shikarbadi, both located within Udaipur.

Shriji has created a beautiful world around

Shriji Arvind Singh has been a cricket player at Ranji Trophy and a polo player; he flies his tiny aircraft from his personal air field. His cricket ground often hosts overseas matches which include hosting I Zingari XI from Britain. His vintage car collection; his wild life trophies for conservation and the world created by him is difficult to be outlined in a few words.

With all Mewar’s ethos being followed religiously, all we can say is long live this dynastic tradition as being carried forward by Shriji…!

Migrant labourers build 8,083 community toilets in 77 days

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September 2, 2020, 11:23 AM

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Aiming to make the Swachh Bharat campaign successful, a total of 8083 community toilets have been completed in just 77 days, said office of Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat.

The Central Government launched the Garib Kalyan Rojgar Abhiyan in 116 districts of six states, including Rajasthan, to provide work to migrant labourers who returned home due to the Corona crisis. Here migrant labourers are being provided employment for 125 days.

For this, the government has set a budget of Rs 50,000 crore. Under this, the Community Toilet Campaign is being run by the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation of the Union Ministry of Water Power from June 15 to September 15.

UP, Bihar and Rajasthan are top three states

Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Rajasthan are among the top three states to build community toilets. 3,932 community toilets have been built in Uttar Pradesh since June 15, 1473 in Bihar and 1425 in Rajasthan. As far as the top three districts are concerned, they are Aligarh (610 Community Toilets), Bareilly (545) and Fatehpur (536) in Uttar Pradesh. The special thing is that inspirational messages have been written on all these community toilets after dyeing and painting to make the villagers aware.

Construction in these districts of Rajasthan

Community toilets are being built in Rajsamand, Bhilwara, Hanumangarh, Sirohi, Udaipur, Barmer, Sikar, Ajmer, Jodhpur, Dungarpur, Banswara, Bikaner, Chittorgarh, Bharatpur, Churu, Jaipur, Jhunjhunun, Jalore, Alwar, Karauli, Nagaur and Pali districts under the Garib Kalyan Rojgar Abhiyan.

This designer making hand-embroidered masks to empower artisans in Jaipur

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September 1, 2020, 9:14 AM

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Meet the well-known designer Shweta Chopra, Immediate Past Chairperson Ficci Flo Jaipur, who has taken up the task of making hand-embroidered masks to help artisans during tough pandemic times.

According to Shweta, “Every time, we cannot give money to the artisans. but, one way to help them is to give them work,” she says.

We are empowering them by delegating them tasks to make hand embroidered jackets, suits and masks.

This designer making hand-embroidered masks to empower artisans in Jaipur — The floral design and the well spread motifs invite the attention of beholder!

According to her, “The biggest way to serve mankind is to serve the God’s people.”

Isn’t it a positive sign that when the economy seems sulking and there is work crisis everywhere, there are many such people who are synchronising their voice with PM Narendra Modi’s call and are working together to make Atmanirbhar Bharat while pitching for Vocal for Local?

Gorgeous criss-crossed masks (left) and a black jacket with beautiful hand-embroidery done by local artisans.

Pranab Mukherjee disposed off 34 mercy pleas during his 5 years of tenure

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August 31, 2020, 4:32 PM

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Do you know that former president Pranab Mukherjee, who passed away on August 31 at the age of 84, had disposed off 34 mercy pleas which requested him to convert death sentence into life when he was serving his presidential tenure (it will be 35, if one considers the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts accused Yakub Memon who appealed for the presidential pardon twice but it got rejected).

When Mukherjee demitted the office of the President of India, he left behind an in-tray empty of mercy petitions which requested him to commute a death sentence to life.

During five years of his presidency, Mukherjee rejected 30 mercy petitions (31 including Memon’s follow-up plea), and delivered fresh leases on lives in four other cases thereby setting a record of rejecting mercy petitions which remains unparalleled among his immediate predecessors.

In the history of the Indian republic, he is second to President R Venkatraman, who rejected 45 mercy pleas.

When Mukherjee’s successor, Ram Nath Kovind assumed office, the has no pending mercy pleas to act upon, which was an event that did not happen in three presidencies.

When Mukherjee became president in 2012 on July 25, he inherited at least 10 pending mercy please, including one from President KR Narayanan’s term which was from 1997-2002.

It needs to be mentioned here that President KR Narayanan as well as his successor President Abdul Kalam (2002-2007) share the distinguished distinction of sitting on mercy petitions.

The Law Commission in a 2015 report had put the “brakes on the disposal of mercy petitions.”

Kumbhalgarh Fort, A new hill-station of Rajasthan, offering rural tourism too

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August 31, 2020, 11:26 AM

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Do you know that the British Raj officers wanted to save their skin from scorching sun and spent summer months over the hills to embrace balmy climate, process files and have some gin-tonic in evenings. That is how most hill-stations in India were rooted. Indian gentry follows in their footpaths to this day. But then, are you aware how many hill-stations were set up post-independence period? Kumbhalgarh is one such hill station, answers Harsh Vardhan who recently visited this place amid lockdown and shared this write-up with EBNW…

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Located amidst dense Aravalli Hills, Rana Kumbha (1433-1468) had created Fort Kumbhalgarh at a time when Chittor had become battle-weary. An invincible niche was selected by this illustrious ruler who rose to prominence by mitigating threats from alien invaders from all directions. He wielded his sword well, the reason no battle occurred here. Rana Pratap, the celebrity in mediaeval Indian pantheon, was born in this fort.

What makes Kumbhalgarh a hill station?

What makes it a hill-station? Its height (the Fort is at 1075 meters) is next to Mt. Abu. But it does not possess huge boulders devoid of vegetation as Mt. Abu has. So sun’s impact is felt less during peak of summer. Salubrious environment draws people to spend good time. Thanks to a local Jagirdar, Mahindra Singh of Ghanerao who set up an out-house like lodge on a hill-slope here. Arvind Singh Mewar, former ruler of Udaipur, was much appealed by this idiom and took over reins while adding his hospitality cult to make it an innovative resort called as Aodhi (a shooting box kind of a place in mediaeval time). Aodhi was to become a niche resort in India.

Nearly 40 hotels are observed functioning today. An estimated Rs 350-crore turnover is netted by them. About a thousand local folk get direct employment. A visit by this author during August 2020 revealed that Corona had no impact over goings on at Kumbhalgarh. No one masked face. No authority to come across the 3 km long main road dotted with hotels, shops and restaurants though no organized bazaar so far in sight.

Kumbhalgarh Fort, A new hill-station of Rajasthan, offering rural tourism too — New fun at Kumbhalgarh lakes, photo by Harsh Vardhan.

Kumbhalgarh running 50pc occupancy even in COVID-19 times

Business happened to be a surprise: Hotels all over the world are shutters down or may be running at 20-30% occupancy. However, Kumbhalgarh is logging in about 50% occupancy. It reaches 100% at week-ends! More hoteliers have chipped in. Local Sarpanch appears to be the lone government functionary, hence basking in the sun. What civic norms or environmental concerns?

But water crisis keeps all worried

Water is the main crisis. Each hotelier has to draw it through tractor borne tankers, from a nearby lake. Many have bought the wells dug in its water-shed and feel comparatively happy. Laundry is another problem. Pangs and pathos of this industry as its captains aim at profit and not on appropriately developing local resources. Short-range profit and long-range investment, Indian business has its debate.

Eat, drink and merry

What drill for visitors. Eat, drink and be merry. Most of them cannot afford high price of liquor at the bar. The license fee at Kumbhalgarh is at par with Udaipur and Jaipur. A large peg of rum, cheapest liquor, had cost Rs 940 for this scribe. What example of promoting tourism? The authorities kept an eye on bar tariff and not on chiseling a new strategy to lure visitor-friendly tourism here.

Rural tourism in Kumbhalgarh

What other activities? Go on an open jeep safari in villages. A new rural tourism is catching up. Wildlife safaris in Kumbhalgarh sanctuaries are less popular as sightings of mammals are infrequent. The forest official has his budgetary problems but has a plan to set up a Project Tiger in about 350 sq. km area. It is to reintroduce this wild mammal which became extinct here in 50s. Leopards and Sloth Bears have proliferated here. Almost each hotelier was heard saying: we often come across such wild mammals within our premises. Man-animal conflicts are usual features here, shared Fateh Singh Rathore, Deputy Conservator of Forest at Kumbhalgarh.

Making Kumbhalgarh a 3-day destination

Anand Mishra, who is coming up with a 70-room hotel almost above the beauteous lake, stated that he would like to include nearby destinations within a new itinerary for his guests so as to make Kumbhalgarh minimum 3-night-stay destination. His eyes are at Iswal in South and countryside in North. He had drawn attention of an international chain to land here.

Strangely, despite being an international chain, it has inimical Indian urban-mind-set on what essentially a hotel should be at a hill station. It will need persuasion to realise that a wilderness property would need a different ethos.

Gulab Kothari deciphering Bhagavad Gita: Science being re-searched

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August 31, 2020, 9:44 AM

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What is the relevance of Bhagavad Gita today? Gita is the discourse between Lord Krishna and his relative, Arjun. The Lord goaded him to ‘reason’: why must he pick up arms against those who committed ills, against own kith and kin. Numerous interpretations have been attempted on Gita, since time immemorial down to what Dr. S. Radhakrishnan and AC Bhaktivedant Swami Pabhupada of International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISCON) had rendered. Has Krishna been understood into? Let’s see what Harsh Vardhan, a renowned environmentalist, has to speak in this context with reference to renowned journalist, Dr Gulab Kothari…

Dr Kothari learning Sanskrit daily from a tutor

As though to answer the above question, an experienced journalist, Dr. Gulab Kothari is treading on a new path: learning Sanskrit daily from a reasoned tutor so that he is better versed to decipher the couplets of Bhagwat Gita. It has 18 Chapters. Propounded by Swami Prabhupad, they run into some 800 pages.

Gulab Kothari deciphering Bhagavad Gita: Science being re-searched — Meaning of Vigyan (Science) in Bhagwat Gita, the page has scribbles by Gulab Kothari.jpg

Gulab attained Phd and DLit. He is editor-in-chief of Rajasthan Patrika, a daily published from numerous places in India. He scripts a front-page edit-piece to hammer out ancestral morality vs contemporary hybrid trends. He reasons the loss of values and urges readers to be conscious of their roots in the country once called Bharatvarsh. His father, Karpur Chandra Kulish had established the daily during the 50s, and grew penchant for Vedic studies, hailing them as Science.

Calling spade a spade

Through studies and practice, Gulab has crossed the Vedic limits by eulogizing the ancient oral-truth as Science. He calls a spade a spade: all that had been outlined in those knowledge-banks, is still true. One only needs to practice. He has written more than a dozen books. The latest to hit the stands is “Samvaad Upnishad“. It runs into 760 pages. Its glossary is spread over 30 pages, references forming a separate part. Spread-knowledge — his mantra.

Only Gita can bring the curtain down on knowledge, he adds wistfully. So learning afresh:
“Gyaban te ham sa-vijnaman idam vaksyamy asesatahyaj jnatva nhabhiyo ‘nyaj jnatavyam avasisyate” (Gita: 7.2).
It means: I (Lord Krishna) shall now declare unto you in full this knowledge (“vigyan” ie science), both phenomenal and numinous. This being known, nothing further shall remain for you to know…. When the cause of all causes becomes known, then everything knowable becomes known, and nothing remains unknown. The Vedas (Mandooka Upanishad 1.3) says: kasminn u bhagavo vijnate sarvam idam vijnatam bhavati.
Be cited Gita’s 4th couplet in the same 7th chapter: “Earth, water, fire, air, ether, mind, intelligence and false ego — all together, these eight constitute me separated material energies.” It is Lord Krishna encompassing more than the 5-Elements of the Universe to teach a lesson to Arjun, nay to all of us.
Not easy to understand or practice.

Best wishes to Gulab Kothari for this Himalayan journey.

Jasper National Park of Canada: Rich Experience and Pics with EBNW

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August 31, 2020, 4:48 AM

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It is Jasper-time these days. You can enjoy good summer weather and attain the best while being on a travel trail here. Mamta Vardhan and Rohit Jindal, citizens of Edmonton, Canada visited this pretty place and shared their rich experience and pics with EBNW which are sure to take you in altogether diffeent world where clear skies can be seen accommodating clouds in their laps and blue waters in lake extend a visual treat to your eyes. So let’s soak in this heavenly bliss with their experience…

We heard Canadian Geese calling their customary honks and flying over our house in Edmonton last week. Too obvious, bird migration commenced and looks like an early winter this time?

We are in Jasper on holidays, only 2.5 hrs away by road from our home in Edmonton in Canada. Jasper is the largest of all the Canadian Rockies national parks. It spans approximately 11,000 sq km. Touted by National Geographic as one of the most scenic drives in the world, the parkway offers unparalleled beauty.

Jasper, an alpine town in Canada’s Alberta province, is the commercial centre of Jasper National Park. Amid the snow-capped Canadian Rockies, the park has glacier-fed lakes, forests and rivers. The Jasper SkyTram climbs to the summit of Whistlers Mountain, with views of downtown. The Jasper Yellowhead Museum and Archives presents exhibits on the fur trade, railway and early exploration of the park. The weather these days is: minimum 9 C, and maximum 20 C.

We saw some incredible features, such as Mount Columbia, Alberta’s tallest mountain; Maligne Lake, the second-largest glacial-fed lake in the world; and diverse wildlife including grizzly and black bears, mountain goats, wolverines, elk and bighorn sheep.

We like to climb, camp, fish and hike – all things we Canadians love to do in the great outdoors.

Jasper has no such thing as tourists but adventurers and explorers

In Jasper, there’s no such thing as tourists. People who come here are adventurers and explorers, novices and experts. Nine amazing things are at stake here: Glacier Skywalk, Columbia Icefields Glacier Adventure, Maligne Lake Boat Tour, Spirit Island on Maligne Lake is one of the most photographed scenes in the world, Wildlife Viewing, Starry Nights, 1,200 km of Hiking Trails, Jasper SkyTram, Canada’s #1 Public Golf Course and Miette Hot Springs.

In the summer months, we suggest one can take the scenic drive from Jasper town site through the wild Fiddle Valley to the hottest mineral springs in the Canadian Rockies. Follow one of the hiking trails and then come back for a long leisurely soak.

Where to stay?

Stay in tiny town is comparably less costly. Lodges, one or two bed room sets as they are, are bit pricy. All these need to be booked in advance, and paid for as well. Cook own food as kitchen has facilities. Sit out for bar-be-cue and bon-fire (logs are provided). Drive own car as far as permitted. Walk all around, Swim and inhale the best Oxygen produced here, and you do not pay for it.

Beware of wild bear as they can smell food and create havoc!

Beware of the food to be consumed while inside the Reserve. The smell of pickles or the oil in vegetables or other eatables can invite a wild Bear to reach you. Imagine what will happen? They have strong sense of smell. We observed Moose and Caribou on this tour. And had taken some cracking photographs of the mountains dotting lakes. What more from Nature?

National Sports Day 2020: Modi pays tributes to Major Dhyan Chand

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August 29, 2020, 7:13 AM

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Every year, National Sports Day is celebrated on August 29 in India to honour the hockey legend, Major Dhyan Chand.

Since 2012, the Government of India decided to celebrate his birthday as the National Sports Day 2012. On this occasion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to Major Dhyanchand and also appreciated the families and coaches for the talented athletes.

Today, on #NationalSportsDay, we pay tributes to Major Dhyan Chand, whose magic with the hockey stick can never be forgotten.

This is also a day to laud the outstanding support given by the families, coaches and support staff towards the success of our talented athletes.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 29, 2020

PM Modi took to Twitter saying, “Government of India is making many efforts to popularise sports and support sports talent in India. I urge everyone to make sports and fitness a part of their daily routine. Doing so Has many benefits. Everyone can be happy and healthy! “

On #NationalSportsDay paid floral tribute to Major Dhyan Chand on his birth anniversary today, at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium. #MajorDhyanChand #NationalSportsDay2020 pic.twitter.com/e38ysutdjZ
— Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) August 29, 2020

ON NATIONAL SPORTS DAY, READ QUOTES BY LEGENDS OF INDIAN SPORTS

As far as one-day cricket is concerned, Dhoni is one of the greatest captains of all times—Sourav Ganguly

I have always maintained that if you work hard, it won’t go waste, as recognition will come to you at some stage, whether in studies or sports. You need to have good intentions and intent to move ahead in life as well as in sports—Suresh Raina

My philosophy is to not be scared of anyone. If I play well, great; if I don’t, I learn from the match and move on—Saina Nehwal

The future is uncertain, and therefore I can’t predict it—Suresh Raina

There are 2 types of captains in World Cricket. One is MS Dhoni and the other are the all others—Navjot Singh Sidhu

If you don’t execute on your plans, then you don’t reach anywhere—Sachin Tendulkar

It is important to understand that if you do fall, it’s important for you to get right back up again—Sachin Tendulkar

Woman educationist Dr Rajeshwari Narendran questions women inequality in financial decisions

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August 28, 2020, 6:15 PM

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Let’s meet Dr Rajeshwari Narendran, a woman who has carved a niche in diverse fields. The educationist with a difference inspires thousands of women who want to make a mark on the global map.

Her Introduction

She is a Ph.D. in Management & MBA, Andrew Towl Scholar- Harvard Business School (GloColl and CWW), Boston, USA and FDP IIM-A 2009 and holds the distinction of being the first-ever woman and youngest National President of Indian Society for Training & Development. She is Director MHRM, ML Sukhadia University, Udaipur and Visiting Professor to IIM Udaipur , IIM Ahmedabad and has delivered invited Lectures at Harvard Business School as well.

Inspiring Stories

Recently, Dr Rajeshwari Narendran inspired many women while addressing the WMF series – ‘Inspiring Stories’ which is an ongoing monthly event organised by Women Mentor Forum on zoom.

Speaking on the occasion, she questioned, “Why women don’t take charge of their financial decisions? Why she leaves the big decisions regarding wealth, taxes, property to the men in the family? Why women do not question other people’s decision? Why they do not take active participation in information or financial analysis?”

While sharing the critical women-related insight, she described the complex human behaviour by using animal analogy in an easy manner.

The event was chaired by Archana Jain, Executive Chairperson 2020.

In the past five months, despite a raging pandemic, worldwide members of WMF gather and discuss progressive ideas and try to contribute in enriching each others’ lives. The vision is to make the women more self reliant, demonstrating solidarity for societal well-being through mentoring initiatives.

WMF’s Mission

The motto of WMF is ‘Pay it Forward’. WMF mission is to encourage and develop new generation women leadership by helping them realise their professional goals. In this direction, the forum organise talks, workshops, training and development sessions for start ups.

WMF is a pioneering platform founded by Archana Surana (Founder & Director, ARCH College of Design & Business) for young women professionals and entrepreneurs to be mentored by experienced women to grow and scale up their businesses in Jaipur.

Over the years, WMF has impacted 600 lives by mentoring and organising workshops and seminars that addresses various aspects of management along with preparing women for a larger role in Society through leadership.

At WMF, it’s not just about ideas, its about making those ideas happen …

‘Khushiyon Ki Gaadi’ chugs on Udaipur streets to spread smiles

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August 28, 2020, 7:46 AM

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Udaipur, these days, is garnering laurels for a unique initiative!

Called as Khushiyon ki Gaadi, (A cart of Happiness), being run under the banner of Being Manav, a off-shoot of M Square Foundation, the underprivileged and needy people of the city are all in smiles as clothes are distributed from 1 to 2 pm each day outside the Ashok Bakery.

Thousands of clothes have been distributed to the needy under this drive.

With Mukesh Madhwani being the CEO of this entity, his team is working round-the-clock under the banner of M Square Foundation to attain the objectives of the Being Manav campaign and are spreading smiles on thousands of faces who were in dire needs of such products.

'Khushiyon Ki Gaadi' chugs on Udaipur streets to spread smiles — Mukesh Madhwani

According to Madhvani, ’Being Manav’ is a different initiative which has been launched with an utmost aim of bringing happiness for destitute and it shall make thousands of lives better in coming future.

The Foundation’s ‘Being Manav Campaign’ is associated with 3520 members of the Field Club including Udaipur District Traffic Department, Federation of Rajasthan Trade and Industries, Rotary District 3054 as well as about 7000 members of 127 clubs.

Till date, a total of 9 cloth drives have been run so far under which 40,000 refurbished clothes have been distributed to needy and have been distributed to them. Also, under 5 food drives launched so far, food has been distributed to 3,500 people till date. Besides these, bags, stationery etc has also been distributed to the destitute.

Over a lakh people have been benefitted under the drive.

Mukesh is quite inclined for social upliftment cause of have-nots and have been working hard to raise their socio-economic standard.

His NGO Being Manav has been providing food, clothes, books amongst many other commodities to deprived kids.

‘Being MANAV’ is his brain child which is by far the most sincere step towards melioration of the downtrodden section of society. Initiated by team M Square in May 2019, ‘Being MANAV’ started as a campaign that involves citizens to donate the unused household items and clothes at a particular spot. The team of MSquare then gets the items refurbished in usable form and later distributes them among the needy ones.