PM rides historic train in South Africa

Pietermaritzburg, (Durban) Sep 30 (UNI) Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today had a ten minutes ride on the vintage train from which Mahatma Gandhi was evicted on June 7, 1893.

Describing it a ''soul steering experience and pilgrimage'', the Prime Minister unveiled the plaque at Pietermaritzburg station on the spot where Mahatma Gandhi was thrown out from the ''Whites Only'' compartment of the train.

''For me it is a soul steering experience in the blessed land of South Africa and I breathe something of the air which transformed Gandhi in the way of laying spiritual foundation,'' he told a few mediapersons after unveiling the plaque. ''It is a great pilgrimage which induces me to work harder and harder for realising his great dream.'' He said it was an inspiration for him to put maximum efforts for strengthening cooperation between the two countries.

Dr Singh said he got inspiration from Mahatma Gandhi's unique experience which would help forge closer bonds of friendship between the nations.

UNI RB SK VA RK2130