PM calls on Nelson Mandela

Pretoria, Oct 2 (UNI) Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today described South African icon Nelson Mandela as one of the ''greatest living Gandhians.'' ''I was privileged to be with the greatest living Gandhian,'' the Prime Minister said after a 25-minute meeting with the legendary leader who steered his country to freedom from apartheid through struggle based on Gandhian principles.

The 88-year old Dr Mandela, looking frail, reciprocated the sentiments by praising India and its people for playing a positive role for South African people.

The Prime Minister said Congress President Sonia Gandhi had specilaly requested him to pay him her Mr Mandela respects.

The nobel laureate turned emotional while recalling India's support to the African National Congress (ANC) for getting rid of the racial discrimination.

The Prime Minister who was accompanied by his wife, Minister of State for External Affairs Anand Sharma and National Security Advisor M K Narayanan also conveyed to the octogenarian leader good wishes on behalf of President A P J Abdul Kalam and the people of India.

After their meeting, both the leaders came out for a photo-op.

UNI RB/SMA DKA GC2254