The Hindu : New Delhi News : President to host lunch for kids

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Thursday, Jul 24, 2008
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New Delhi

President to host lunch for kids

Smriti Kak Ramachandran

NEW DELHI: The imposing banquet hall of Rashtrapati Bhavan, which has over the years been the venue for hosting royals and elected Heads of State, will be thrown open to a group of disadvantaged children on Thursday.

For the first time, the President is organising an informal lunch in the banquet hall which has a seating capacity for 104 people. The hall is adorned with life-size portraits of former Presidents and an assortment of medieval arms.

Over 100 children from disadvantaged sections of society will have the privilege of breaking bread with President Pratibha Patil.

According to Rashtrapati Bhavan sources, Ms. Patil has decided to interact with underprivileged children over lunch.

“A hundred and fifteen children from various organisations like Literacy India, Arya Orphanage, Bachon Ka Ghar and Nehru Bal Samiti have been invited. They will first be given a tour of the President’s House and the Mughal Gardens and then served refreshment in the Ashok Hall where the President will interact with them,” said a source.

The President will later host these children for lunch, which will be a lavish spread of delectable delights. The Rashtrapati Bhavan kitchen has planned a menu that includes appetizing soups and salads, butter chicken, fish curry, “paneer pasanda” and “lauki ka kofta”.

The lunch will be rounded off with scrumptious “gulab jamuns” and mango ice cream.

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