The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh / Hyderabad News : I'm young, insists Karzai

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, Apr 13, 2006

Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

I'm young, insists Karzai

T. Lalith Singh

Hamid Karzai

HYDERABAD: "No, no, no. I am not 58 years. I am young, I am just 48 years old."

That was Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai correcting an official of Osmania University who introduced the visiting dignitary to the students at a meeting on the university campus here on Wednesday.

When he was described as 58 years old, Mr. Karzai laughed loudly and interrupted the introduction. The audience too joined the laughter when he told the official, "I am younger than you. I am 48. What's your age?" To this, the official sheepishly admitted, "Sir, I am 51."

Mr. Karzai also recounted his days at Simla University and said, "When the Vice-Chancellor and Registrar were introduced to me here, I was reminded of my student days and how scared I was of them."

The Afghanistan President said he was keen on interacting with the Indian youth and the student community. "Though it was suggested that I address the faculty and others, I rejected it and insisted on interacting with students," he said. Later, he was mobbed by the students who wanted an autograph, and Mr. Karzai obliged all.

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