JAK in India: Lays Wreath On Tomb Of Ghandi

President John Agyekum Kufuor on Monday laid a wreath on the tomb of the Father of the Indian Nation, Mahatma Ghandi and observed a minute silence in his memory at the Rajghat Royal Mausoleum to begin a four-day state visit to India.

He signed the visitor's book and wrote: "Great Inspiration to be here to walk on the Holy grounds of the cremation and pay homage to the memory of the one and only Mahatma Ghandi. May His Soul Rest In Peace".

Mr Vash Devan, Secretary of the Rajghat Samadi Committee, who conducted President Kufuor, Theresa, his wife, and the entourage round the tomb later presented some books on the works of Mahatma Ghandi to the President.

The visit to the Rajghat was after the official welcoming ceremony at the forecourt of the Rashtrapati Bhavan, the offices and residence of the Head of State of India, President Dr A. P. J. Abdul Kalam. The Indian Prime Minister and Head of Government, Mr Atal Bhari Vajpayee accompanied President Kalam to welcome President Kufuor and his wife, who arrived for the ceremony being led by a contingent of the mounted constabulary of India. The National anthems of the two countries were played and President Kufuor inspected a guard of honour mounted by the Indian army.

Speaking to newsmen after the ceremony, President Kufuor said, he is enchanted by India, which he described as a great advanced nation. He said India is an ancient country, which has championed South-South Co-operation and through such co-operation developing countries want to join the global village.

President Kufuor said India has many developments but is impressed about its agricultural revolution, which has enabled India to be self-sufficient in food production despite its large population. He said, "India has put premium on technology and it is a leader in Information Technology (IT) and we want to know more about it."