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President A P J Abdul Kalam on Tuesday stressed on the need for 'unity of minds' to cope with various problems facing the country.
He was addressing the people of Bhuj affected by the devastating earthquake last year.
Kalam, who reached Deen Dayal Nagar in Bhuj from Ahmedabad three hours behind schedule due to some technical snag in his aircraft said, "I have seen lots of distress among the people, but I am sure you will face the problems and solve them."
"The Chief Minister (Narendra Modi) is here with me and he will help you in solving your problems," the President said praising the strong will of the Kutch people.
State Industry Minister Suresh Mehta and Education Minister Anandi ben Patel were also accompanying them.
"It is good to see new buildings coming up here. I hope you show the country the way in relief and rehabilitation measures," he said, adding the Kutch people have had the misfortune of experiencing drought, earthquake and cyclone but had faced them boldly.
"You are a strong and vibrant people. Wish you all the best," Kalam said.
After his brief speech, the President was greeted with cheers by the people who had waited patiently for him. The President first met some school children at Deen Dayal Nagar and also planted a sapling.
Brushing aside protocol, he went towards the people and talked to them and also blessed the children who shook hands with him and greeted him with flowers and bouquets.
The Deen Dayal Nagar built by Deen Dayal Charitable Trust has about 200 pre-fabricated houses designed by Technological Infrastructure Forecasting Assessment Council, 75 per cent of which are already occupied.
However, its inhabitants could not meet the President because local authorities had erected a barricade.
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