An Arjuna Awardee, this Haryana boxer now sells kulfi for a living
Bhiwani (Haryana), Oct 28: For most of his short-lived boxing career, representing India at national and international levels was Dinesh Kumar's perfect definition of a dream career.
A recipient of the Arjuna Award, who has proved his mettle and illuminated India's name at the global level, the boxer is now forced to sell kulfi (a kind of ice cream) for a living.
After sustaining an injury in a road accident, his father had to borrow money for his treatment. This came when his father was already burdened with a loan that he had taken to send his son to compete at the international level. Kumar, who went on to win a total of 17 gold, 1 silver, and 5 bronze medals, was later forced to become a kulfi vendor in order to repay the mounting interest on the debt. Reflecting on his plight, Kumar, while speaking to ANI, said that he was forced to sell ice cream along with his father as no assistance came from the government's side.
Further demanding a stable government job, the Arjuna Awardee boxer said that he could also train budding boxers for global events. "I have played at international and national level. In my boxing career, I have won seventeen gold, one silver, and five bronze medals. My father took a loan so that I could play at international tournaments.
To repay the loan, I have to sell icecreams with my father. Neither previous nor the present government has provided any help to me. I request the government to help me in repaying the loan. I am a good player. I need a stable government job. With the government's help, I can prepare youngsters for the international events," he said.
Kumar's Coach Vishnu Bhagwan also highlighted the abilities of the former boxer and urged the government to pay heed to his demands. "Dinesh was very quick as a boxer. He has won a lot of medals in the junior category but lost due to injury and is now selling kulfi (ice-cream). If Kumar is helped, he will be free from the burden of debt. If the government helps Dinesh, he will survive in future," the coach said.
Courtesy: www.aninews.in
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No hurdle to increase Almatti Dam height, says Deputy CM Shivakumar
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Thursday said there is no legal impediment to issuing a notification for the Upper Krishna River Phase-3 project, including raising the height of the Almatti dam, and indicated that the state would soon take a decision after consultations.
Speaking to reporters here after his recent Delhi visit, he also said an all-party meeting may be convened in the state even as there was broad political consensus on taking up irrigation issues with the Centre.
“There is no legal hurdle to issuing a notification for increasing the height of the Almatti dam, and there is no stay order either, as stated by legal experts. We will take our own decision soon. An all-party meeting may also be convened in the State,” Shivakumar, who holds the water resource portfolio, said.
He said 24 Members of Parliament from Karnataka attended a meeting held in Delhi, cutting across party lines except the Janata Dal (Secular), where various irrigation issues were discussed.
“We stayed in Delhi for two days and held a meeting of the State’s Members of Parliament. A total of 24 MPs attended. Except for the Janata Dal (Secular), MPs from the BJP, Congress, Independents and nominated members were present. I briefed them about the status of several irrigation projects in the State,” he said.
Shivakumar said several leaders offered suggestions and an all-party delegation would meet the Prime Minister and the Union Water Resource Minister C R Patil.
“Jagadish Shettar, Govind Karjol, Basavaraj Bommai and P C Mohan offered certain suggestions. Union ministers from Karnataka V Somanna and Pralhad Joshi said they could not attend and requested another meeting. It has been decided to take an all-party delegation to meet the Prime Minister and C R Patil. There is consensus on this,” he said.
Referring to legal consultations, he said, “In this matter, our legal advisors Mohan Katarki, retired judge Nagamohan Das and the Advocate General have given some useful inputs. We will take a decision soon.”
On urban development issues, he said the State has taken up concerns with the Centre regarding building norms. “We have brought to the notice of the Civil Aviation Minister the differences in premium FAR and building height regulations between our state and others. We will soon meet the Defence Minister as well. We have explained the issues faced by our state, and all have responded positively,” he said.
On the proposal for a second airport in Bengaluru, Shivakumar said it would be examined by the Cabinet.
He said state Minister M B Patil has submitted a proposal, and opinions have also been given. It needs to be placed before the Cabinet to discuss the pros and cons.
Issues like land acquisition, finances and other aspects must be examined. A study has been conducted and a report submitted, he added.
The Deputy CM said central aviation authorities have also provided a report on global standards regarding building height restrictions. The state government will take a decision after reviewing that report.
On the upcoming assembly by-elections in Bagalkote and Davangere, Shivakumar, who is also the Congress Karnataka unit president, said candidate selection would be decided by the party high command.
“Over the last two months, I have collected reports from booth level to all levels. Our leaders have visited and given their opinions. I have also spoken to some people. AICC secretaries will arrive in the next two to three days. The Chief Minister and I have discussed what needs to be done in the two constituencies. I cannot disclose it publicly. We will present our views in the interest of the party. ‘B’ forms will be distributed as per the decision of the high command,” he said.
Ruling out any preference for family members, he said, "Family is not important here. The party must win and that is what matters."
He noted that multiple stakeholders, including minorities, have claims that need to be balanced through discussions.
Shivakumar also told reporters that discussions on Assam elections were held with party leaders and another meeting would be conducted through video conference, following which a campaign schedule would be finalised.
Responding to demands for a Cabinet reshuffle, Shivakumar said there was nothing wrong in aspirations.
On whether it would be a reshuffle or power-sharing exercise, he said, “Time will decide.”
He also declined to comment on reports of a separate meeting with Priyanka Gandhi.
“I will not discuss that. I will not reveal whom I met or what I discussed. Time will decide,” he said.
On AICC General Secretary K C Venugopal’s statement that there was no vacancy for the Chief Minister’s post, Shivakumar said, “Yes, he has said there is no vacancy. He has also said that the party and MLAs will take a decision.”
