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Pratibha celebrates birthday with the less privileged

Photo: R.V. Moorthy

HAPPY BIRTHDAY: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and his wife greeting President Pratibha Patil on her 73rd birthday at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi on Wednesday.

NEW DELHI: It was a birthday greeting song sung by a mentally challenged child of Asha Kiran that “lit up” President Pratibha Patil’s 73rd birthday on Wednesday. Insisting on a low-key celebration, Ms. Patil opted for working and spending time with the less privileged.

Earlier in the day, she accepted greetings from several dignitaries including Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and his wife Gursharan Kaur, and Vice-President Mohammad Hamid Ansari and his wife. Sources in the President’s Secretariat said no “special arrangements, ceremonies or even menu was planned for the day.”

“The President is a simple person who does not believe in celebrating her birthday. Even when she was the Governor of Rajasthan, she preferred to spend time with the destitute and the needy. She never celebrates her birthday, but believes in working like any other day,” said the source.

Accompanied by her son, Ms. Patil visited Nirmal Hriday Home for the Dying Destitute and Asha Kiran Home for the Mentally Challenged.

After spending time with the inmates there, she praised the staff for the services they render to those in need. Pointing out that the children of Asha Kiran were denied familial care and love, Ms. Patil was all praises for the sisters and caretakers who try to fill in that void and empower these children to become self- sufficient. She also presented sweets and blankets to the inmates.

“The President said helping the poor and needy is a way of service to God. Birthdays are occasions when an individual can reflect on what he can do for society. She said on such days kindness should flow from the heart of the person to help others,” said the source.

Ms. Patil also planted a Jamun sapling in the Nakshatra Garden of the Rashtrapati Bhavan.

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