Kalam invites Rural India to tea

Panchayat leaders on Rashtrapati Bhawan guest list for Independence Day festivities

The Rashtrapati Bhawan guest list for the August 15 'at home' or the biannual tea party hosted by the President, has suddenly become the policy barometer for the nation.

In keeping with the new United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government's "back to the rural heartland" policy tilt, President A P J Abdul Kalam has invited local panchayat representatives from each state to participate in his "at home" on August 15.

The presidential "at home" on both national holidays August 15 and January 26th are occasions where the first citizen entertains prominent Indians at the Rashtrapati Bhawan.

The regular guest list for the do includes all government officials above the rank of joint secretary, prominent artists, scientists, technologists, politicians and academicians.

This year, according to sources in Rashtrapati Bhawan, President Kalam resolved to make the Independence day more participatory.

"The President wrote letters to all state governments in India asking for the names of three sarpanch's from each state who would be invited for the at home," said a senior Rashtrapati Bhawan aide.

"His intention in inviting these local government leaders was to ensure the participation of grass root level workers who strengthen the democratic structure of the nation," added the official. This is the first time that such an exercise has been undertaken.

President Kalam already made ripples during the Republic Day at home this year when prominent sports personalities were invited for the first time as part of the festivities.

The President has, according to sources, decided to make this a permanent fixture for all presidential at homes, at least during his tenure. "This year cricketer Virendra Sehwag has been invited along with several other sports personalities," said the senior official.

"Many sports people cannot make it to the 'at home' as they have already left for the Athens Olympics," added the official. The official opening of the games is on Friday.

The invitations to the sarpanch's is a fitting first to Prime Minister Manmohan's maiden Independence Day speech which is expected to talk of a "new deal" for rural India.