Summary "Words are not enough to express the gratitude for Edhi Family’s affection and love": PM Modi
LAHORE (WebDesk) – Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced a reward of Rs. 10 million for Pakistan’s Edhi Foundation, a non-profit welfare program, for sheltering and taking care of Geeta, the mute Indian girl. The Indian PM expressed his gratitude for Edhi Foundation’s services, calling the owners of the foundation as symbols of “kindness” and “compassion” and were welcomed as honored guests on Geeta’s arrival in India. Edhi Foundation owners are to be treated as state guests and will be taken to Agra and Delhi.
PM Modi directed his indebtedness particularly towards Bilquis Bano Edhi stating that words were not enough to express the gratitude for the Edhi Family’s affection and love that was shown to Geeta. Stating further, PM Modi said that what the Edhi Foundation had done could never be forgotten but he was more than happy in contributing a donation of Rs. 10 million for the foundation.
The Indian PM offered Bilquis an opportunity to visit Junagadh with her family after learning that Bilquis was born in Junagadh’s Bantwa area in Gujarat.
Sushma Swaraj, the External Affairs Minister also commented on Edhi’s compassionate services complimenting their unconditional sentiments and endearment. She also expressed her thankfulness saying the foundation owners had even protected her religious freedom.
Geeta, born with a hearing and speech impairment, crossed the border into Pakistan as a child when she ran to protect herself from an explosion and was caught by the border security forces however the details of her crossing remain inconsistent. Geeta was handed over to the Edhi foundation for shelter where Bilquis took Geeta into her protection and named her Fatima. However seeing the Hindu custom of folding her hands and touching the feet of her elders, Bilquis was quick to realize that the child was in fact from India. The Edhi family showered Geeta with love and care for 15 years until she was old enough to recognize her family in a photograph.
Geeta returned to her home country, greeted by PM Modi and other Indian officials. In an unfortunate turn of events however, she failed to recognize her family yet remains optimistic as she entered into India after 15 years.
