President Marks Birthday by Spending Time With Destitute and Mentally Challenged Persons

The President of India, Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil marked her birthday today by spending time with the destitute and mentally challenged persons in Delhi. Smt. Patil visited the Nirmal Hriday Home for the Dying Destitutes and met the persons staying there. The President spoke to a number of destitute persons and enquired about their well-being as well as spoke to the Sisters working there about their experiences and praised them for their selfless work. She also distributed blankets, sweaters and sweets to the persons at the Nirmal Hriday. The President said while leaving the Home that she has never celebrated her birthday but has instead worked and marked the day by spending time with those in need of care. She said that even as the Governor of Rajasthan she had spent this day with the destitute, the poor, the mentally challenged and those suffering from leprosy.

The President later went to the Asha Kiran Home for the Mentally Challenged. There, she presented two TV sets and individually gave away sweets to the mentally challenged persons. Speaking on the occasion, the President said helping the poor and the needy are a way of service to God. Birthdays are occasions when an individual can reflect on what he can do for society. The President added that on such days kindness should flow from the heart of the person to help others. She commended the work of the staff of Asha Kiran. The Chief Minister of Delhi, Smt. Sheila Dixit and the Delhi Health Minister, Shri Yoganand Shastri were also present.

Earlier in the day, the Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh and Smt. Gursharan Kaur, the Vice-President, Shri Mohammad Hamid Ansari and his wife, the Governor of Madhya Pradesh, Dr. Balram Jakhar, the Lt. Governor of Delhi, Shri Tejender Khanna and other dignitaries greeted the President.

Smt. Patil also planted a sapling of Jamoon in the Nakshatra Garden in the Rashtrapati Bhavan premises.