The Hindu : New Delhi News : Donate generously for quake victims, appeals Manmohan

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Oct 14, 2005

New Delhi

New Delhi

Donate generously for quake victims, appeals Manmohan

Staff Reporter

Expresses sympathy at destruction in Pakistan and promises help, support

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Wednesday appealed to the nation to donate generously in order to ensure quick and maximum help to the earthquake victims in Jammu and Kashmir. He also assured all help and support to Pakistan in providing relief and rebuilding its quake-ravaged areas.

Addressing a large gathering on the occasion of Dussehra at Subhas Maidan (Parade Ground) here, Dr. Singh said: "Hundreds of people have died due to the devastating earthquake in Jammu and Kashmir while a large number of them have been injured and rendered homeless. It is a serious matter and I appeal to all citizens to donate generously in cash and kind."

Expressing his grief over the widespread destruction in Pakistan, the Prime Minister said the whole nation was with them in this sad moment. "Together both nations should work together to come out of this difficult time. India is ready to provide all help and support to its neighbour."

Wishing the people a happy Dussehra and Durga Puja at the function organised by Shri Dharmic Leela Committee amid unprecedented security arrangements, Dr. Singh exhorted the people to follow the path shown in the Ramcharitmanas and remember that "right action and truth will always prevail over sin and evil." "We all should work together in a righteous manner so that we can take India forward on the path of progress and development."

United Progressive Alliance chairperson and Congress president Sonia Gandhi, Lt. Gov. of Delhi B. L. Joshi and Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit also took part in the Vijayadasami celebrations.

They released pigeons and multi-coloured balloons as a mark of peace and prosperity. The organisers donated Rs.2.5 lakhs to the Prime Minister's Relief Fund.

The function concluded with a spectacular display of fireworks and the burning of huge effigies of demon king Ravan, Kumbhakarnan and Meghnad. A large number of diplomats and foreigners were also present on the occasion.

The presence of Congress MP, Rahul Gandhi, along with the two children of his sister Priyanka, who also enjoyed the function, generated excitement as people jostled to catch a glimpse of them.

Elsewhere in the capital, hundreds of effigies of Ravan, Kumbhakarnan and Meghnad were burnt to mark the victory of good over evil. Wednesday also saw the culmination of the Durga Puja celebrations as a large number of devotees immersed the idols of Goddess Durga in the Yamuna.

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