Nepal President recounts association with Kolkata

Kolkata, Jan 28 (ANI): Nepal President Ram Baran Yadav, who is currently in India on a ten-day state visit, on Friday, recounted the fond memories of his association with Kolkata during his student days.

Inaugurating the 177th Foundation Day celebrations of Medical College, Kolkata, of which he is an alumnus, President Yadav said: "Medical College Kolkata is my alma mater where I studied 43 years ago and it is this place which made me what I am today."

"At a time when we had few qualified doctors in Nepal, it was a matter of pride for me to be imparted medical education in this great institute of learning," he added.

Praising the city's cosmopolitan nature, he said that his education days have left a deep imprint on him of the cultural heritage of India and West Bengal, in particular.

West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee and other ministers of his cabinet were also present at the function.

Later talking to reporters, President Yadav said he was hopeful that the political disturbances in his country would soon subside.

"Everything is under control. We are in peace talks so there is no problem. We will come out of this problem," he added.

During his visit, President Yadav will also pay homage at Tirupati Balaji in Andhra Pradesh and meet political leaders in New Delhi.

In New Delhi, President Yadav will hold a meeting with his Indian counterpart Pratibha Devisingh Patil on February 2.

He will also meet Vice President Mohammd Hamid Ansari and Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, External Affairs Minister S.M Krishna, Home Minister P. Chidambaram, Defence Minister A K Antony, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Sushma Swaraj and Congress President Sonia Gandhi.

On February 4, President Yadav will visit the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research in Chandigarh, where he will be the chief guest of the convocation ceremony of the institute.

Dr. Yadav will return to Kathmandu on February 5.

This is President Yadav"s second visit to India after assuming office in July 2008. It has been organized even as Nepal reels under political uncertainty. (ANI)