President Pranab Mukherjee on Tuesday described Geeta, a young Indian woman who returned home after spending years in Pakistan, as a "symbol of India-Pakistan unity".
The president met the deaf-and-mute 23-year-old at the Rashtrapati Bhavan and blessed her.
"You are the daughter of both our countries, a symbol of India-Pakistan unity. God has listened to your prayers," a Rashtrapati Bhavan statement quoted Mukherjee as telling her.
The president thanked Bilqis Bano Edhi and the Edhi Foundation for their good work in Pakistan.
Geeta was about 11 years old when she crossed into Pakistan in 2003 by mistake.
Pakistan Rangers handed her over to the Edhi Foundation, a social welfare organisation that has looked after her since then.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors
Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share
Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor
Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements
Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app