President Ram Nath Kovind exhorts people to donate organs

Bhopal: President Ram Nath Kovind on Friday called upon people to donate body organs and thus help better the lives of countless countrymen.

“I call upon the countrymen to donate organs based on love for humanity,” he said, addressing the ‘Sadguru Kabir Mahotsav’ at the Lal Parade Ground here.

Kovind is on a two-day visit to Madhya Pradesh, his first to the state after assuming the country’s top constitutional post in July.

“Many people suffering from diseases need organ transplant. Following the footsteps of Sant Kabir, who loved humanity, our countrymen can donate organs like liver, eye and promote this gesture,” the president said. “This can help in bettering countless lives,” he added.

Late Nanaji Deshmukh, a renowned social worker, set an example for others by pledging to donate his body parts after death, he said.

Kovind said Madhya Pradesh has witnessed tremendous economic progress in the last decade and set an example for other states.

“Madhya Pradesh’s GDP has swelled to Rs 5 lakh crore from Rs 1 lakh crore a decade ago. This is laudable as it (the economic growth) was based on inclusive and sensitive approach,” he added.

The president said Kabir was not only a great spiritual leader but also a social reformer. The medieval-era mystic poet and saint fought against social evils prevailing at the time and made efforts to eradicate them.

Kovind said the path of equality and harmony shown by Kabir remains an inspiration for the society.

On the occasion, the president received the first copy of the book ‘Madhya Pradesh Mein Kabir’.

Later, Kovind unveiled a statue of Jhalkaribai, a Dalit woman soldier and a prominent advisor to queen of Jhansi Laxmibai, at the GTB Complex here.

Jhalkaribai also played an important role in the first war of Independence of 1857.

On Saturday, the president will address the second convocation of the Indira Gandhi National Tribal University at Amarkantak in Anuppur district.