The Hindu : The perfect host

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Oct 28, 2003

National

National

The perfect host

By Neena Vyas

NEW DELHI OCT. 27. It was a tea party hosted by the President, A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. The invitees were a group of officials, mediapersons, crew members of the special Air India flight and others who had accompanied him on his recent visit to three countries. And Mr. Kalam did not allow the protocol associated with his office to come in the way of playing the perfect host.

He had a word and a smile for everyone as he went round greeting those who had been with him and their spouses who he was meeting for the first time. After the customary photographs, he led the way to the dining area and invited all to "come and takepart''.

But the biggest surprise was when he picked up a plate of food with a napkin, put a fork on it, and offered it to his guests.

"Please sir, we will help ourselves. You please sit,'' was the instant response from his guests. "Let me hand out at least one plate,'' he said, and did not go away till that plate was taken from him and he once again invited his guests to try the various delicacies on the table. He was the perfect host.

"You caught us napping on the flight between Khartoum and Sofia,'' said a reporter, ``when you suddenly walked into the media section and found everyone asleep.'' ``Yes, I caught you,'' he responded.

"Were your officials also all asleep, for you walked into the press section alone?''

There was a twinkle in his eye and a mischievous smile on his face, and prompt was the response. "I will look into it,'' he said and walked away.

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