Mumbai: President A P J Abdul Kalam on February 14 met prominent Jain sage
of 'Terapanth', Acharya Mahapragya and discussed with him the potential use of
techniques of "science of living" for treatment of spastic children.
The President's deep involvement and interest in development and growth of spastic
children had inspired him to seek an audience with the 83-year-old Acharya, 'Anuvrat
Pravartak' sources said.
The meeting focussed on utilisation of principles and practices of "jeevan vigyan"
as an approach for overall development of spastic children.
The effectiveness of this package on science of living for spastic children would
assist in developing both left and right hemispheres of brain and could be used as
an alternative remedial for such mentally challenged children, the Acharya said.
Mahapragya is here as part of his three-year long "ahimsa yatra" to propagate
peaceful co-existence and non-violence and eco-friendly lifestyle to be in harmony
with nature.
Mahapragya, successor of Acharya Tulsi of 'Anuvrat' movement, which aimed at
strengthening the moral character of the people, presented before the President the
methods designed by the movement.
Earlier, Kalam arrived by a special Air Force flight at 8.40 pm (IST) and was
received by Maharashtra Governor Mohammed Fazal, Chief Minister Sushilkumar Shinde
and his Cabinet colleagues.
He will interact with school children and educationists throughout the day on
February 15.
The President would visit Mani Bhavan in South Mumbai, which houses Mahatma Gandhi's
belongings, on February 15 morning and then drive down to Victoria Memorial Blind
School in Central Mumbai and interact with the visually challenged children.
Later, he would address over 2,000 children at Shanmukhananda Hall in Central Mumbai
for an hour.
The President would have a meeting with youths at Raj Bhavan and then proceed to the
Spastics Society of India at Bandra.
In the evening, he would inaugurate a two-day seminar on "moral values in education"
in the Western suburb of Kandivali to be participated by educationists, vice
chancellors, students and spiritual leaders.
He would return to New Delhi late in the evening.
PTI
