Not daaru, but daan: Noida district magistrate urges charity

NOIDA: The district administration on the first day of the new year appealed to people to contribute a part of their income for social causes especially for underprivileged children. DM NP Singh himself distributed 200 pairs of shoes to underprivileged children in Noida. He appealed to all residents and government staff to offer their contribution to society.The DM, after distributing the shoes, appealed to people to celebrate the new year with daan (donation) rather than daaru (liquor).
DM NP Singh along with wife Bindu Singh reached a school in Chalera. Singh said Noida is one of the richest districts in UP, where per capita income is the highest. Yet it is paradoxical that despite being one of the prosperous districts, people and children don't have sweaters and shoes for winters.
"We had earlier had disturbed sweaters to the underprivileged. On Diwali, we had offered almonds to children suffering from malnutrition. This district and its residents don't lack money - the energy simply needs to be channelised. The district administration is ready to take up the issues but people should also come forward to extend their support," he added.
After distributing shoes, the DM spent time with students and taught them Maths. He also interacted with them. He urged hard work for building the nation and told the students that success would automatically ensue.
"I had never imagined that I would get to meet the DM. My friends and I were scared to face him but he seemed friendly. Sometimes, he spoke to us like a guardian and sometimes like a friend. We are happy to get new shoes on the first day of the new year," said Rakesh, a student.
The DM called the teachers the architects of the nation and students the democratic dividend of the country.