New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday (July 8) met Gujarati folk singer Geeta Rabari and praised her. Geeta shot to fame for her song "Rona Sherma", that fetched over 25 crore views on YouTube.

Geeta, 22, claimed that PM Modi had met her when she was a child and had also given her Rs 250 in a bid to encourage her to pursue singing.

"I first met him when I was a child. I sang in school and he awarded me Rs 250 and asked me to keep practicing. We're Maldhari people who live in jungles. My father received a postcard of 'Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao', after which he sent me to school," said Rabari.

Rabari, who has also written a song for Modi, was quick enough to sing it post her meeting. She also said that she will also contribute to take the scheme of Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao forward and help other girls to complete their education just like her.

PM Modi took to Twitter to say, "Geeta Rabari is a young and prolific singer from Gujarat, whose works have enthralled Gujaratis globally! I remember encouraging her to pursue singing when she was a child and today, I had the opportunity to interact with her. It was wonderful to know more about her experiences."

In another tweet, he said, "People like Geeta Rabari inspire our society. Belonging to a humble background, she dedicatedly pursued her passion of singing and excelled. I am deeply impressed by her efforts to popularise Gujarati folk music among youngsters. Best wishes for her future endeavours."