Sonia pays tribute to Indian soldiers of world war I

London, Nov 10 (UNI) UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi on the first day of her visit to Brussels, visited Ieper to pay tribute to over 3,000 Indian soldiers who sacrificed their lives during the World War I.

Ms Gandhi 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...,'' quoting lines from a poem by Emily Dickinson.

During the ceremony the Chairman of the LPA Benoit Mottrie, praised the members of the Indian Army and said, ''On the eve of the Armistice Day, we commemorate the soldiers of the great Indian nation, who fell in Iepers during the WWI''. He said it was ''an honour'' to have Ms Gandhi, ''We have not forgotten the sacrifice of Indian soldiers who came to fight with Belgian soldiers.'' India Ambassador in Belgium Deepak Chatterji also laid a wreath, while Brig Chandraprakash read the exortation and two pipers of the Indian Army played the lament. Mr Chatterji spoke of the cordial relations between India and Belgium and said, ''We hope we will be partners in progress.'' Ms Gandhi, was then driven to the Town Hall, close by, where she was welcomed by Burgomaster Dehaene, who presented her a gift.

She in turn presented him a gift, believed to be a marble etched vase. She then signed the Book of Honour of the city of Ieper.

During the visit Ms Gandhi will stay at hotel Conrad. She will be welcomed by the King and Queen of Belgium tomorrow afternoon before inaugurating the Festival of India, after a lunch with members of the Royal Family, including Philippe, Princess Mathilde, Prime Minister Guy Verhofstadt, Foreign Minister Karel De Gucht.

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