Sharad Pawar’s birthday to be celebrated with social events

MUMBAI - Several cultural and social events spread over five days will mark the 70th birthday of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) president Sharad Pawar, a party spokesperson said here Saturday.

“Several events like cycle race and blood donation camps have been organised at various party offices across Maharashtra. Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar will preside over a few functions,” the spokesman said.

Though Pawar’s birthday is on Sunday, the functions kicked off Saturday and will go on till Dec 15.

Tricycles will be given away to handicapped persons by state NCP president Madhukar Pichad Sunday.

A book comprising Pawar’s 42 national and international speeches, regarding agriculture and farming, will also be released Sunday by Ajit Pawar. The NCP’s special magazine, Krishi Vikas Dar, will also be released on the occasion.

Pawar founded the NCP in 1999 after separating from the Indian National Congress. He has previously held the defence portfolio and currently holds the agriculture portfolio. He has also been the chief minister of Maharashtra.

Hailing from Baramati town in Pune district, Pawar represents his constituency of Madha in Maharashtra and leads the NCP members in the Lok Sabha.

Pawar also served as the chairman of the Board of Control for Cricket in India from 2005 to 2008. In 2010, he became the International Cricket Council president after England’s David Morgan.