Pune, Sept. 20 -- Director General of Assam Rifles Lt Gen Vikas Lakhera performed the Ganpati Aarti at the Shrimant Bhausaheb Rangari Ganpati Mandal in Pune on Sunday.

Speaking to reporters, Lt Gen Lakhera said visiting the abode of the Ganpati was an extraordinary event for anyone.

"I am an ordinary person, and for anyone who gets the opportunity to visit the abode of the Divine, it is an extraordinary event. I am truly overwhelmed. I thank God for this opportunity. My only wish is for our country to progress, remain safe and strong, and for all its citizens to enjoy prosperity," he said.

Referring to the history of the mandal, he noted that the idol was created when India was under British rule, emphasising that it is an inspiration ...