The Hindu : National : President Kalam plays host to men in khakhi

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Jan 27, 2006

National

National

President Kalam plays host to men in khakhi

Special Correspondent

About 200 constables were special guests at the Rashtrapati Bhavan

NEW DELHI : President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam hosted the customary "At Home" reception in the Rashtrapati Bhavan on Thursday evening on the occasion of the 57th Republic Day celebrations.

The highlight of "At Home'' was the rare honour which the country's first citizen bestowed on a group of about 200 constables from different States who were special guests.

Mr. Kalam spent about 40 minutes with the men in khaki, interacting with them and listening to their problems and concerns.

Cutting edge

Clearly, for the constables, often dubbed as the "cutting edge" of policing in the country, it was a visit they are not likely to forget.

Seven constables from each State were chosen through the coordinated efforts of the Home Ministry for the special visit to the Rashtrapati Bhavan.Last year, the President had invited postmen. In 2004, it was the turn of village councils to send their representatives. This time around,a group of visually impaired and physically challenged schoolchildren made a special appearance.

The reception at the sprawling Mughal Gardens was attended by the visiting Saudi Arabian King, Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz al-Saud, and his delegation. Vice-President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh accompanied the King.

Congress president and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Home Minister Shivraj Patil, Law Minister H.R. Bhardwaj, the former Prime Minister, I.K. Gujral, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha L.K. Advani, members of the Union Cabinet, top government and police officials, MPs, personalities from different walks of life and members of diplomatic corps attended the reception.

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