PM meets Geeta, announces Rs 1 cr for foundation that looked after her

NEW DELHI: Geeta, the mute and deaf girl, today met Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who announced Rs one crore to Pakistan's Edhi foundation, which had taken care of her during her over a decade-long stay in that country.

"Welcome back home, Geeta. It is truly wonderful to have you back home. Was truly a delight to spend time with you today... All of India will take care of you," Modi said and assured that every effort would be made to trace her family as she embraced him warmly.

The Prime Minister also thanked the Edhi family, whom he described as " apostles of kindness and compassion" for taking care of Geeta, a PMO release said.

Complimenting Bilqis Bano Edhi, founder of the foundation, he said, "I don't think any amount of words are enough to thank the Edhi family for taking care of Geeta with love and affection for so many years."

"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," Modi said.

Upon learning that Bilqis was born in Junagadh's Bantwa area in Gujarat, the Prime Minister invited her to visit Junagadh along with her family.

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.