Kali Bein volunteer cleansing an example for nation: President

Sultanpur Lodhi, Aug 17 (UNI) President A P J Abdul Kalam today lauded the efforts of Baba Balbir Singh Seechewal for cleaning and rejuvenating the 160 km sacred Kali Bein rivulet and setting an example to the nation.

The President, accompanied by Punjab Governor General (Retd) S F Rodrigues and Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Rajinder Kaur Bhattal, made an aerial survey of Sultanpur Lodhi from where the Bein passes and was impressed to see the flowing rivulet which was a choked polluted 'nullah' before the cleaning operation was undertaken by Baba Seechewal six years ago.

Dr Kalam arrived here in an army chopper and paid obeisance at Gurdwara Sant Ghat where Guru Nanak Dev, the first Sikh Guru, was said to have emerged as an enlightened being with the words ''Ek Omkar'' after three-day-long dip in the rivulet. Dr Kalam was also honoured by the officials of the SGPC in the Gurdwara.

The President then visited the ''Kutiya'' (hut) of Baba Seechewal on the banks of the Bein before laying the foundation stone of the Guru Nanak Art Gallery. Dr Kalam showed keen interest in the photo exhibition of the 'kar seva' undertaken by Baba Seechewal and his followers .

Later, addressing a huge gathering, the President appreciated the efforts of Baba Seechewal and said he would spread, in the entire nation, the message of voluntary cleaning of Kali Bein by Baba Seechewal with public cooperation.

He also lauded the efforts of Baba Seechewal in laying sewerage system in his own village and using the treated water for organic farming.

''Baba Seechewal has created a history in the field of environment,'' Dr Kalam said.

The President appealed to the people to take a pledge to clean one pond in life, to solve family disputes by mutual consent, lower court cases plant five fruit tree saplings, work for de-addiction, give equal treatment, specially in providing education to male and female child, lead a clean life and fight against corruption.

Dr Kalam also asked the students to take a pledge to ensure security and prosperity of the country and exhorted them to invent new things.

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