New Delhi: Celebrated Pakistani humanitarian Abdul Sattar Edhi, founder and head of Edhi foundation that looked after Geeta, on Tuesday declined Prime Minister Narendra Modi's donation of Rs 1 crore to his charity.
"Abdul Sattar Edhi has thanked Mr Modi and politely declined to accept his announced financial help," Edhi Foundation Spokesman Anwar Kazmi said.
Modi on Monday announced the contribution to the charity after the return of hearing and speech impaired girl Geeta to India.
“What the Edhi family has done is too priceless to be measured but I am happy to announce a contribution of Rs. 1 crore to their foundation,” Modi tweeted on Monday.
The Prime Minister also thanked the Edhi family, whom he described as “apostles of kindness and compassion” for taking care of Geeta, a PMO release said.
Complimenting Bilqis Bano Edhi, co-founder of the foundation and wife of Abdul Sattar, he said, “I don't think any amount of words is enough to thank the Edhi family for taking care of Geeta with love and affection for so many years.”
PM Modi yesterday met Geeta when she returned to India, after spending more than a decade in Pakistan, under care of Edhi Foundation.
“Welcome back home, Geeta. It is truly wonderful to have you back home. Was truly a delight to spend time with you today. All of India will take care of you,” Modi said and assured that every effort would be made to trace her family as she embraced him warmly.
Upon learning that Bilqis was born in Junagadh's Bantwa area in Gujarat, the Prime Minister invited her to visit Junagadh along with her family.
External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, who was present on the occasion, also complimented Bilqis and the Edhi Foundation for the love and affection that they have showered on Geeta.
