Pakistan’s charity organisation, the Edhi Foundation, on Tuesday turned down Rs 1-crore donation announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for taking care of the hearing and speech impaired Indian girl, Geeta, during her over a decade-long stay in the country.
Prominent philanthropist Abdul Sattar Edhi, the founder and head of Edhi Foundation, thanked PM Modi for announcing the donation, but declined to accept it for his charity. “Abdul Sattar Edhi has thanked Modi and politely declined to accept his announced financial help,” Edhi Foundation spokesman Anwar Kazmi was quoted as saying by the Dawn.
Modi on on Mondya met Geeta, who returned to India to an emotional welcome, and hailed Karachi-based Edhi family for taking care of her with love and affection for so many years.
Complimenting Edhi’s wife, Bilqis Bano for taking care of Geeta, the PM announced that India would give the Edhi Foundation Rs 1 crore as a token of appreciation, not just for taking care of Geeta, but also for the wonderful work that the Foundation has been doing.
“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,” the PM had said.