President Pranab Mukherjee hosted an 'At Home' reception for freedom fighters on the occasion of the 71st anniversary of the Quit India Movement at the Rashtrapati Bhavan on Friday.
On the occasion, President Mukherjee honoured and felicitated 121 freedom fighters from across the country in the presence of Vice-President Mohammad Hamid Ansari, Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, Defence Minister A.K. Antony, UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and other dignitaries.
Each of the freedom fighters was gifted a solar lamp with a personal message from the President of India.
President Mukherjee in his message said, "Nature has always been kind to humanity. But, whenever greed has overtaken need, nature has revealed its destructive face."
"The recent natural calamity in Uttarakhand has once again shown the necessity for mankind to live in harmony with nature. Increased use of solar power can help us preserve the environment," he added.