TEZPUR, Aug 3 - Patanjali, one of the highest herbal product producing companies of the nation, is committed to do every possible work for the development of Assam and the North East region as well.
In a press statement, Dr SB Singh, senior vice president (Projects, Technology), Patanjali Ayurved Limited IGC, Ghoramari near here, making the company�s stand clear, said that Patanjali has come all the way to Assam, primarily for the people of Assam and to set up a large factory to boost economic development in the State.
It is to be mentioned here that recently a controversial comment on Assam and Assamese people by the vice president of the project site that came in the New York Times, created an unwanted situation. Giving his clarification, Dr Singh said that Patanjali has no intention to hurt anyone�s sentiments as its core ethos is all inclusive.
�Patanjali was never granted the project land for free as alleged in the report. The land was allotted by Assam govt�s agency AIDC against prompt payments made in their industrial area called Industrial Growth Centre (IGC) at Ghoramari, Tezpur. This fact can be verified by anyone with AIDC, including schedule of payments made. The plot of land being part of the IGC was never an elephant corridor as alleged in the report. However, since it was lying vacant for over a decade it may have been used by elephants present in the area.� Dr Singh said in the press note adding that when asked by the reporter of New York Times about the employment of local people, he had stated that Patanjali is committed to employ local people. �We are conditioning them mentally for work because they have no industrial work experience. We have several programmes for such training. One of them is shivirs or camps through which we not only introduce to them our value system and yoga but we also encourage them to shun their bad habits if any. This statement was misquoted or partially published, to say the least,� he said and added that in response to a specific question asked by the New York Times reporter on vegetarianism, the statement made was: �We promote vegetarianism as part of our value system and for better health as proven by recent research. We do not allow non-vegetarian food at our work place.�
It may be kindly noted that there are several business houses in India who do not allow use of non-vegetarian food at their campuses. The statement as published�.. �lack respect for nation�.� was never made and is hereby categorically denied.
He also said that it is more than evident that by publishing partial statements and out of context quotes; the entire intent and the meaning seem to have changed for the people who are the very reason of our existence in Assam. �Yet we sincerely regret and apologise if it has hurt anyone�s sentiments in whatsoever manner. We have written to New York Times also to publish a corrigendum to the above effect. We would like to re-emphasise that we are here in Assam entirely for the people of Assam and will leave no stone unturned in ushering in a new era of development,� he said.
