Greek welcome in Sanskrit surprises Kalam

Athens, Apr 27: Visiting President APJ Abdul Kalam got a pleasant surprise when he was welcomed by Greek President Karolos Papoulias in Sanskrit at a banquet hosted in his honour. ''Rashtrapati Mahabhaga, Sur Swagatam Yavana Deshe (Respected President, you are welcome to Greece),'' said Mr Populias as Dr Kalam entered the Banquet hall here last night.

The Greel President told Dr Kalam that he learnt Sanskrit, the ancient Indian language that is related to the ancient Greek language, in Germany and used the language with such a rich history to welcome the Indian President.

He said, ''India and Greece were the birthplaces of great civilizations, which at certain point of time, in the era of Alexander the Great, met and formed an entirely particular relationship between them.'' Replying to his welcome, Dr Kalam said he was happy to be in Greece, which has contributed so much to civilization.

''Greece is the crucible of democracy and India is the World's largest democracy. My visit has been a rewarding experience,'' he said.

Dr Kalam is here on a three-day visit to the country. He will leave for India tomorrow.

UNI