Karnataka - Gulbarga   

A refreshing change

GULBARGA: It was a refreshing change for the people participating in a function to inaugurate the Padmavathi Narayan Singh Sabhagruha constructed in memory of the mother of the former Chief Minister, N. Dharam Singh, when President Pratibha Patil brushed aside the security cordon around her and mingled freely with women and children.

The President, accompanied by Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa and Governor Rameshwar Thakur, arrived at the narrow lane in Shahabazaar locality where the sabhagruha has been constructed and immediately went to the Balaji Temple adjacent to the sabhagruha and offered prayers along with the Governor, the Chief Minister and Mr. Dharam Singh.

Later, as she walked into the sabhagruha, the President was seen exchanging pleasantries with women at the entrance. Ms. Patil also shook hands with a few women before taking her place on the dais. The entire function was informal without the usual security checks.

The President, who spoke briefly after inaugurating the sabagruha, said that the rich culture and human values practiced by the Indians were the strong foundation of the nation and this had placed India on the top of the list of nations following high principles and human values.

Appreciating Mr. Dharam Singh for constructing the sabhagruha in memory of his mother late Padmavathi Narayan Singh, the President said that in India the mother is placed at the highest pedestal and respected and revered.

The President, who moved freely with the people at the venue, was seen hugging children and happily posing for photographs with them.

The President also surprised Mr. Dharam Singh and his wife, Prabhavathi Dharam Singh, by offering them personal gifts. Ms. Patil repeated the gesture at the inauguration of the Buddha Vihar by offering personal gifts to the Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Assembly and Chairman of the Siddhartha Vihar Trust M. Mallikarjun Kharge and his wife, Radhabai Kharge.

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