Date:20/06/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/06/20/stories/2006062006431200.htm

National

Rahul Gandhi keeps it private

Staff Reporter

Youth Congress cadres cut huge cake

Youth Congress activists cut cake, visually impaired students, orphans given school bags, audio systems

All-religion prayers organised, fruits and blankets distributed in Sultanpur Assembly constituency

NEW DELHI: Although Rahul Gandhi, MP from Amethi, failed to put in a public appearance on his 36th birthday on Monday, preferring to celebrate it as a private affair, Youth Congress cadres went ahead and the celebrated the day.

At a function held by the Delhi Pradesh Youth Congress, its president Amit Malik cut a 36-kg cake to mark the occasion. Also present were Union Minister for Programme Implementation Oscar Fernandes and Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee president Ram Babu Sharma. The cake was then distributed among visually impaired students and orphans. Mr. Malik said that apart from the cake, nearly 200 visually impaired students were given school bags and audio systems along with other items. The orphaned children were also given schools bags and other items on the occasion.

Mr. Fernandes appreciated the Delhi Pradesh Youth Congress' gesture. He urged the youth to spread awareness about the policies and programmes of the UPA Government. He said the youth of the country were looking to Mr. Gandhi to lead them and urged the Congress president to give him some important responsibility in the party or the Government.