PANJIM: While florists may have a reason to be disappointed, fruit sellers will be a cheerful lot after Governor Mridula Sinha decided to nip off a floral tradition.
Honouring her desire to be greeted with fruits instead of flowers, Archbishop Filipe Neri Ferrao called on Governor Mridula Sinha at the Raj Bhavan on Wednesday and presented her with a basket of fruits.
Archbishop Ferrao presented the Governor with a decorated basket containing custard apples, grapes and other fruits and the fruits were later sent to the Bal Bhavan.
It may be recalled that the Governor had expressed her desire that those who want to greet her may do so with fruits instead of flowers.
The Governor has also decided to do away with the practice of presenting bouquets to guests, after she welcomed Vice President Dr M Hamid Ansari and his wife Salma Ansari with a basket of fruits, instead of bouquet of flowers, on their arrival in Goa on Sunday.
Sinha has appealed to the public representatives and dignitaries of Goa that they may encourage the same practice, as it would boost the sale of locally grown fruits and also feed the needy children at various institutions.
Apparently, the act of handing over a basket of fruits was a pleasant surprise for the dignitaries present at the airport and both the vice president and Salma Ansari lauded the gesture.
According to reports, the Governor was inspired by Gujarat Chief Minister Anandi Ben Patel, when she expressed a desire to be welcomed with basket of fruits instead of flowers. The fruits were later given to orphanage & child care centres for the needy children.
