Service to poor is equal to service to God: Governor

Tamil Nadu Governor Bawarilal Purohit Thursday said service to the poor is considered equal to service to God. The principle of placing service above self lies at the core of India's psyche, the Governor said in his address at an event organized by English daily 'Times of India' here.

"Social service, which is synonymous with helping people in distress, has always been a part of our tradition and service to the poor is therefore considered to be equivalent in importance and piety to service to God," he added. The Governor honored 12 'heroes' from Coimbatore for their service to society and said through their commitment to public welfare they were serving as role models for the people of the city and state.