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DNA EXCLUSIVE: Books or 'khadi' handkerchiefs to replace bouquets presented to PM Modi during his domestic trips

The PM had also said that 'khadi' products as gifts can provide employment to a large number of underprivileged people

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Books or 'khadi' handkerchiefs will replace bouquets that are presented to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to greet him during his domestic trips, the government has said.

The PM had recently appealed to people that they should give books instead of bouquets as greetings to push reading and knowledge. The PM had also said that 'khadi' products as gifts can provide employment to a large number of underprivileged people.

The Union Home Ministry issued directions to all states, UTs and establishments on July 12 that no bouquet be presented to the PM during his tours in India. The missive under the title "arrangements during visits for the Prime Minister within India" says: "...at the best a flower along with a khadi handkerchief or a book may be presented..."

The letter also asks all states and UTs to suitably sensitise all concerned to ensure the instructions are complied with.

Addressing the launch of PN Panicker National Reading Day celebrations in Kerala on June 17, the PM had urged people to "give a book instead of a bouquet as a greeting", saying that there is no joy greater than reading and no strength greater than knowledge.

"Such a move can make a big difference".

Modi made the same appeal on Twitter the same day, which had Thiruvananthapuram MP Shashi Tharoor's attention. The Congress leader had tweeted: "Some minds think alike! I've been saying this for years in Thiruvananthapuram!"

About a week later, during his 'Mann Ki Baat' radio address, the PM urged people to stop exchanging bouquets and instead gift khadi products.

"One can also use a khadi handkerchief to welcome people, and be a support to the innumerable underprivileged people. When I was in Gujarat, I had set a tradition of welcoming people by not giving bouquets, but books or handkerchiefs instead," he had said.

"The lifespan of a bouquet is very short. You receive it in your hand for a moment and then abandon it. But when you present a book, it becomes a part of the household, a part of the family," the PM had said.

The expenses are reduced as well, and the gift is well utilised too, the PM had said, adding, "I say this, thinking of the historical value of such gifts".

The PM had also recalled his last visit to London, where Queen Elizabeth had invited him to lunch with her. "...when she showed me a small thread-spun khadi handkerchief, her eyes lit up. With great respect, and in an emotion-filled voice, she said, that Mahatma Gandhi had sent this handkerchief to her as a wedding gift".

GIFTING THE PM

The Home Ministry’s missive under the title “arrangements during visits for the Prime Minister within India” says: “...at the best a flower along with a khadi handkerchief or a book may be presented...”

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