Governor of Goa, Mridula Sinha has expressed her desire that she would like to welcome dignitaries to the state with a single flower and a basket of fruits and she would also prefer to be welcomed in the same manner.
She has appealed to the public representatives and dignitaries of Goa that they may encourage the same practice which will boost the sale of locally grown fruits and also feed the needy children at various institutions.
Ms. Sinha made a beginning of her innovative idea by welcoming Vice President Dr. M. Hamid Ansari and his wife Salma Ansari at Dabolim airport in south Goa on Sunday with a basket of fruits instead of bouquet of flowers, which was a pleasant surprise for the dignitaries present at the airport.
The Vice President and Ms. Ansari lauded the gesture, said sources in Raj Bhavan. The fruits were later given to orphanage and childcare centers for the needy children. Vice President and his wife stayed at Raj Bhavan during their visit.
Ms. Sinha mentioned that she was inspired by Chief Minister of Gujarat Anandi Ben Patel, when she expressed a desire to be welcomed with basket of fruits instead of flowers.
The Governor hosted a dinner in their honour at Raj Bhavan on Sunday, which was also attended by Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar, Dy. Chief Minister Francisco D’Souza, Speaker Rajendra Arlekar, among others.