Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar today appealed to the people to contribute to the Goa Chief Minister's fund to help victims of the recent Chennai floods instead of spending money for his birthday.
"People of Goa have always supported and showered their blessings on me. On the occasion of my 60th birthday on 13th December, this year, I urge all of you to pray and help towards the loss caused by devastating floods in Chennai," Parrikar said in a statement issued here.
"Let us stand with the people of Chennai in their difficult times. I urge my well wishers not to spend on advertisements/ presents and/ or flowers on my birthday and instead contribute towards Chief Minister of Goa Chennai Relief Fund," he said.
"This will be a cherished birthday gift from Goa as reaching out to humanity is sacred," he added.
On December 6, Congress had appealed to Parrikar to cancel his "lavish" birthday bash being organised by BJP on December 13 and instead use the money to help victims of Chennai floods.
Goa Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar had said the state government is not spending on events related to Parrikar's birthday.
The Rs 5,000 crore composites industry, had made a
strong pitch for support from the government.
Pradip Thakkar, Chairman of FRP urged the Defence Minister to extend the government's support to the Indian composites industry to unleash its full potential.
"The Indian composites industry is fully capable of supplying 100 per cent of requirements of the defence sector, if given due support. Composite materials are emerging as an innovative alternative for steel and aluminium and hence, can be used in defence equipment manufacturing," said Thakkar.
