Prez apology to Shimla after boy’s open letter

Bhanu P Lohumi & Pratibha Chauhan

Tribune News Service

Shimla, May 22

After an open letter by a Shimla boy highlighting public discomfort owing to President Ram Nath Kovind’s movement in the hill town for the civic reception, the visiting dignitary on Tuesday apologised for the trouble even as he took a stroll on Mall Road and purchased books.

In the letter posted on Facebook, Azad said: “I would like to congratulate you for the work you have done and your contribution in the progress of the country but this is not the reason I am writing to you.

“You are the first citizen and enjoy certain privileges but when these are exercised as part of protocol, the cost is borne by the people residing here, especially schoolgoing children like me,” he said, adding “today was one such day and I came to know that you will be criss-crossing the town using public roads”.

“It creates problems for the common people as traffic comes to a halt during VVIP movement and sick persons who need to go to hospital get delayed, while elderly commuters face avoidable inconvenience,” the letter said.

The schools were closed early on Tuesday, keeping in view the civic reception hosted in the President’s honour but it caused serious trouble to many working parents, who had to pick up their wards early and those without a vehicle faced a daunting task, he said. The local administration had asked schools to close by 1.30 pm (half day).

“I hope you understand our problems and can take some measures which are not in our hands, or in the hands of the district administration, but are certainly in your hands,” Azad concluded, without mentioning his school or class.

Later, addressing the civic reception at Peteroff, President Kovind said: “Being the President has its own trappings but I am a common man like you all. 

I am very much aware of the problems that the public faces on account of VVIP movement. For that I apologise to everyone though the district administration tried its best to cause minimum possible harassment to public.” 

After the event, Kovind stopped at “Minerva”, one of the oldest book shops on Mall Road, and purchased three books — “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child” (for his grandchildren), “Immortal India” and “The Toy Train” — paying Rs 1,600 through credit card.

The President, accompanied by his wife, daughter, daughter-in-law, son and grandchildren, also made an unscheduled stop at the government-owned “Ashiana” restaurant on The Ridge. 

“They had tea, biscuits and some snacks for which the President paid Rs 735,” said an employee.