Sonia inaugurates Indian sculpture exhibition

Brussels, Nov 11 (UNI) UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, who is on a visit to Belgium, today inaugurated 'Tejas, an exhibition showcasing Indian sculpture dating from the 3rd century BC to the 12th century AD at the Palais de Beaux Arts here.

The exhibition, curated by Ranesh Ray and Jan van Alphen, is a part of the ongoing BOZAR India festival.

Earlier, Ms Gandhi met Belgium's King Albert II at the Laeken Castle, and had lunch with the royal family. Prime Minister Guy Varhofstadt and Foreign Minister Karel De Gucht.

Later, Ms Gandhi was scheduled to be made Grand Officer of the Order of Leopold, one of three Belgian national honorary orders and the country's highest military order. She will also receive an honorary doctorate ''Honoris Causa'' of Vrije Universitiet, Brussels (Free University of Brussels), from its Rector B van Camp.

At night, she will attend a private dinner hosted by the Belgian Prime Minister Yesterday, Ms Gandhi had visited Ieper to pay tribute to over 3,000 Indian soldiers who died on the Western front during World War I.

She laid a wreath at the Indian Memorial by the Menim Gate and signed the Book of Honour of the Last Post Association.

In the Book she wrote, ''My being here to pay homage to Indian soldiers who laid down their lives in the prime of their youth and so far away from their beloved motherland, reminds me of the poet's line -- It feels a shame to be alive when men so brave are dead, one envies the distinguished dust...,'' lines from a poem by noted American poet Emily Dickinson.

India Ambassador to Belgium Deepak Chatterji also laid a wreath, while the Military Attache Brig Chandraprakash read the exhortation and two pipers of the Indian Army played the lament.

Welcoming Ms Gandhi, LPA chairman Benoit Mottrie said her presence was an ''honour'' for them. Praising the contribution of the Indian troops, he said they ''had not forgotten the sacrifice of Indian soldiers who came to fight with Belgian soldiers.'' She then visited the Town Hall, where the Burgomaster welcomed her. she also signed the Book of Honour there.

Ms Gandhi will be leaving for India tomorrow afternoon.

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