President pays obeisance to Saint Muktai

Jalgaon, Feb 9 (UNI) President Pratibha Patil today visited Mehun village and paid obeisance to Saint Muktai, younger sister of Saint Dnyaneshwar.

Upon reaching Mehun, situated near the confluence of the Tapi and Poorna rivers, Mrs Patil remarked that she had attained the country's highest office due to the blessings of Muktai.

''I am feeling extremely happy upon visiting this place. I feel as if I have met Muktai in person,'' Mrs Patil said.

The President, who was accompanied by her husband, offered prayers at the Muktai temple. She was felicitated on the occasion by the temple trustees.

Mrs Patil is on a two-day visit to her home district, Jalgaon, since yesterday. Last evening, she had inaugurated a stadium at Jalgaon which has been built at a cost of Rs 10 crore.

Meanwhile, the Raosaheb Roopchand School where Mrs Patil had received her initial education, also felicitated her. Speaking on the occasion, the President stressed the need for encouraging education among girls. There has been much development in the country but the fruits of development should reach the common man, she stressed.

UNI XR MAZ YA RAI1848