China releases third set of Chinese names to assert its claim over Arunachal Pradesh
Beijing (PTI): China has released a third set of names in Chinese, Tibetan and pinyin characters for Arunachal Pradesh, as part of its efforts to reemphasise its claim over the Indian state.
China's Ministry of Civil Affairs on Sunday released the standardised names of 11 places for Arunachal Pradesh, which it calls "Zangnan, the southern part of Tibet" in accordance with regulations on geographical names issued by the State Council, China's cabinet.
The official names of the 11 places were released on Sunday by the ministry, which also gave precise coordinates, including two land areas, two residential areas, five mountain peaks and two rivers and listed the category of places' names and their subordinate administrative districts, state-run Global Times reported on Monday.
This is the third batch of standardised geographical names for Arunachal Pradesh issued by China's civil affairs ministry. The first batch of the standardised names of six places in Arunachal was released in 2017, and the second batch of 15 places was issued in 2021.
India has previously dismissed the Chinese move of renaming some places in Arunachal Pradesh, asserting that the state has "always been" and will "always be" an integral part of India and that assigning "invented" names does not alter this fact.
"This is not the first time China has attempted such a renaming of places in the state of Arunachal Pradesh," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said in December 2021.
"Arunachal Pradesh has always been, and will always be an integral part of India. Assigning invented names to places in Arunachal Pradesh does not alter this fact," he had said.
The Global Times, which is part of the ruling Communist Party's mouthpiece People's Daily group of publications, quoted Chinese experts as saying that the announcement of names is a legitimate move and China's sovereign right to standardise the geographical names.
The first set of names was announced by China in 2017 days after the Dalai Lama's visit to Arunachal Pradesh. China was sharply critical of the Tibetan spiritual leader's visit.
The Dalai Lama fled from Tibet through Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh and sought refuge in India in 1959 after China took military control of the Himalayan region in 1950.
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Snehalaya Charitable Trust to launch de-addiction center to combat rising addiction issues
Manjeshwar: The Snehalaya Charitable Trust, which has been serving individuals with mental illnesses for the past 15 years, is now extending its support to tackle a growing social challenge—addiction. The organization will inaugurate its new De-Addiction Center on October 2, 2024, at 9:30 AM at the Snehalaya Institute in Bachalike, Pavoor, Manjeshwar, Kasaragod.
The center will be inaugurated by Michael D Souza, a prominent Indian Non-Resident Businessman from Dubai, and blessed by Most Rev. Dr. Peter Paul Saldanha, Bishop of Mangalore Diocese. Venerable Deepak Valerian Tauro, Assistant Dean of Delhi Diocese, will be the Chief Guest at the event.
Keynote addresses will be delivered by renowned journalist Vijayalakshmi Shibaruru and multi-religious sage Atmadas Yami. Other notable attendees include U.T. Khader, Speaker of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly, MLA A.K.M. Ashraf from Manjeshwar, MLA Kunhambhu from Uduma, and Daijiworld founder Walter Nandalike. More than 50 distinguished guests, 100 donors, and thousands of spectators and well-wishers are expected to attend.
Founded in 2009 on Saint Mother Teresa’s 99th birthday, Snehalaya Charitable Trust has provided shelter, medical care, and rehabilitation to over 1,300 individuals with mental illnesses. It began as a small initiative by Joseph Crasta, an auto driver from Mangaluru, after witnessing the plight of the homeless and mentally ill. Over time, the organization has grown into a comprehensive rehabilitation center recognized by the government and appreciated by the public.
The organization operates a Psycho-Social Rehabilitation Center for Men, established in 2009, which serves 300 mentally ill individuals by providing food, medical assistance, and rehabilitation services. In 2019, Snehalaya expanded its reach by launching a Psycho-Social Rehabilitation Home for Women, catering to 90 homeless women with mental and social issues.
The organization also runs a free mid-day meal program called Snehalaya Manna, which has provided daily meals to 700 patient attendants and the underprivileged at Wenlock District Government Hospital, Mangaluru, since 2015. Additionally, Snehalaya offers free ambulance services for socio-economically backward families, provides food kits to vulnerable communities, and actively participates in relief work during emergencies such as the Kerala floods and Coorg landslides.
The organization has also been a crucial support system during the COVID-19 pandemic, constructing houses for families in need, distributing food, and offering medical aid. Through these comprehensive initiatives, Snehalaya continues to make a substantial impact in the field of social service.
Since its inception, the Trust has rescued over 1,600 homeless people and reunited more than 1,300 residents with their families.
With the launch of its new De-Addiction Center, Snehalaya aims to build an "Addiction-Free Society," focusing on providing care, treatment, and rehabilitation for individuals suffering from various forms of addiction, which is increasingly affecting the youth, adolescents, and women.
