After President Ram Nath Kovind’s decision to not host an iftar at Rashtrapati Bhavan received criticism, reports about former President APJ Abdul Kalam’s decision on iftar has also received limelight this year.
According to a TNIE report, the former President had indeed observed the holy month, privately, by giving donations to orphanages, though reports claim that he was the one who discontinued the practice.
In fact, he hosted an iftar for orphans during his last Ramzan at Rashtrapati Bhavan. SM Khan, Press Secretary to the former President was quoted as saying by TNIE, “Dr Kalam used to celebrate all festivals in Rashtrapati Bhavan and Ramzan was also celebrated. However, his notion of celebrating Ramzan did not mean organising a grand iftar, but giving donations to various orphanages.”
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