Mother of missing seer begins fast for Ganga conversation
Dehradun, Dec 13: Mother of the missing seer and Ganga activist Gopal Das has started a fast-unto-death on the banks of the Ganga river in Rishikesh, demanding a stringent law for the conservation of the river.
Shakuntala Devi (62) began her fast at the Triveni ghat on Wednesday. She said it was her son who had inspired her into joining the cause.
"Like my son I am also sitting on a fast which will continue till the Ganga Act for which all seers sacrificed their lives comes into force," she told reporters at Triveni ghat.
Complaining against the manner in which her son's mysterious disappearance for over a week was being handled by the authorities, she alleged that neither the state nor the central government was serious about finding him.
Das had begun his fast against mining in the Ganga riverbed in Badrinath and had been fasting at Triveni and Bag ghats in Rishikesh.
He went missing on December 5 from the Doon Government Medical College and Hospital, where he had been brought for treatment.
On October 11, veteran environmental activist G D Agarwal died at a Rishikesh hospital 111 days after he began a hunger strike for a pollution-free Ganga.
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26-year-old youth from Andhra dies by suicide in US
Kurnool (Andhra Pradesh) (PTI): A 26-year-old youth from this district has died allegedly by suicide in Chicago, US, recently, due to distress over debt, sources said on Saturday.
The family members of the deceased have requested that the identity of their relative be withheld, noting that his parents are senior citizens suffering from medical conditions.
Reacting to the incident, Andhra Pradesh IT Minister Nara Lokesh expressed condolences and assured assistance for the repatriation of the mortal remains of the deceased.
"My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. I request Union Aviation Minister K Ram Mohan Naidu to ensure smooth and hassle-free transport of the mortal remains," Lokesh said in a post on X.
An NRI community member from the US posted on social media that one of their members from Kurnool on Optional Practical Training (OPT) passed away in Chicago a few days ago.
He said Telugu Association of North America (TANA) had completed all necessary documentation and formalities to send the mortal remains to India for final rites.
He further requested assistance in expediting the cargo pickup, currently scheduled for Sunday, seeking an earlier arrangement considering the urgency.
(Assistance for overcoming suicidal thoughts is available on the state’s health helpline 104, Tele-MANAS 14416.)
