NDA ally and PMK Dharmapuri MLA Sowmiyа Anbumani quoted the Bhagavad Gita during her speech in the Tamil Nadu Assembly while speaking about the contributions of her husband and party leader Dr. Anbumani Ramadoss during his tenure as Union Health Minister.
Recalling Anbumani Ramadoss’ tenure as Health Minister from 2004, Sowmiyа Anbumani said he introduced several progressive schemes and took on the tobacco industry despite facing significant challenges.
“Everyone comes to power promising change. It was with the aim of delivering such change that Dr. Anbumani introduced numerous progressive schemes when he assumed office as the Minister of Health in 2004. He received four international awards for these efforts. He sought to bring about change; I have witnessed firsthand that transforming the system involves immense challenges and struggles. He fought against a powerful tobacco mafia, earning awards for his efforts including a standing ovation in the United States.”
“Similarly, Dr. Anbumani received two awards from the World Health Organization (WHO) for introducing rural health initiatives and launching the 108 ambulance service. He received the same prestigious awards that were also conferred upon figures such as UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, Bill Gates, US President Bill Clinton, Japanese Prime Minister Koizumi, and UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan. He was also presented with the Rotary International Award in Delhi for his achievements in eradicating polio. Despite receiving all these accolades and being widely recognized internationally and in Delhi, his contributions went largely unnoticed here, a fact that never bothered him. He operates on the principle found in the Bhagavad Gita: “Perform your duty without expecting the fruits of your labour.””
Her invocation of the Bhagavad Gita came at a time when the Tamil Nadu Assembly has increasingly been reflecting the influence of Christian perspectives in its proceedings, especially with the Speaker himself quoting Bible verses, making her reference to the Hindu scripture particularly notable.
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