On Tuesday PM Narendra Modi offer Rs 1 crore to Abdul Sattar Edhi for caring for Geeta.
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After accidentally crossing into Pakistan, the then pre-pubescent girl could not identify herself or where she came from due to her condition and was consequently taken care of by the Edhi Foundation all these years. The campaign to return her to her home was galvanized due to the popularity of the Bollywood film Bajrangi Bhaijaan, whose story dealt with a similar case with nationalities reversed.
Indian authorities are proceeding cautiously, according to MEA sources, because at least four families had come forward to claim her. “They are apostles of kindness and compassion”, Modi tweeted.
PM Modi added that, “What the Edhi family has done is too priceless to be measured but I am happy to announce a contribution of INR10 million to their foundation”.
She met Prime Minister Narendra Modi at his residence yesterday. Abdul Sattar Edhi and his wife are truly extraordinary individuals whose essential goodness is inspirational. “We have officially handed over her responsibility to the government of India”.
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. Now believed to be in her early 20s, she remained in Pakistan under the care of the country’s largest welfare organisation, the Edhi Foundation, living in a shelter in the port city of Karachi.
It is heartening to know that there are groups like the Edhi Foundation in a country that has provided a breeding ground for fundamentalists. Geeta is staying in an institution, pending her DNA test, after she could not recognize her family. “All of India will take care of you”. “Now it’s time for her to go home”, said Faisal Edhi, son of the founder of the Edhi Foundation that looked after the girl.
“Indian national Geeta left Karachi for New Delhi today (Monday)”.
“Geeta was a good child and we have sent her with our best wishes”.
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The Edhi family said they planned to remain in touch with Geeta.
