BHOPAL: Chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Monday wished the pani puri vendor Anchal Gupta, who distributed Rs 50,000-worth of the spicy snacks for free on Sunday to celebrate the birth of a girl child.
TOI had carried Anchal’s inspiring story in its September 13 edition. On Monday, CM Chouhan tweeted: “I congratulate Anchal Gupta-ji on becoming a father and wish his daughter a bright future. I promise to do everything I can to help his daughter achieve success in life.”
“Anchal Gupta-ji has taught society through this unique gesture that a daughter is not a burden, but a boon. Words are not enough to praise you! It also indicates that not only has the attitude of common people changed towards girlchild, but they have also started fulfilling the duty of awakening society,” Chouhan tweeted.
The CM’s words left Anchal feeling overwhelmed. He had not imagined that his “simple gesture” would touch so many hearts, including the chief minister’s.
“I am happy that society has acknowledged the message. I am thankful to CM Chouhan also for encouraging me. People should never discriminate between girls and boys,” he told TOI.
“All I wanted to convey is that we should feel just as proud to have a daughgter, probably more,” said the pani puri vendor.He had set up three stalls in Kolar on Sunday and distributed pani puri for free to celebrate the birth of his daughter. ‘Beti Padhao, Beti Bachao,’ said banners at the stalls. “I didn’t like it that some people frowned when I had a daughter. I wanted to send a message,” he said.
