File Photo of Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar.
Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on Thursday appealed to the people to contribute to the Goa Chief Minister's fund to help victims of the recent Chennai floods instead of spending money for his birthday.
"People of Goa have always supported and showered their blessings on me. On the occasion of my 60th birthday on 13th December, this year, I urge all of you to pray and help towards the loss caused by devastating floods in Chennai," Mr Parrikar said in a statement issued in Panaji.
"Let us stand with the people of Chennai in their difficult times. I urge my well wishers not to spend on advertisements/ presents and/ or flowers on my birthday and instead contribute towards Chief Minister of Goa Chennai Relief Fund," he said.
"This will be a cherished birthday gift from Goa as reaching out to humanity is sacred," he added.
On December 6, Congress had appealed to Mr Parrikar to cancel his "lavish" birthday bash being organised by BJP on December 13 and instead use the money to help victims of Chennai floods.
Goa Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar had said the state government is not spending on events related to Mr Parrikar's birthday.