Kalam soaks Indian flavour

The spread on the tables complimented the tone of President Mkapa’s eloquently delivered speech. He first expressed satisfaction that Tanzania was among seven African countries included in the Focus Africa initiative in India’s export/import policy.

Later, came his personal tribute to Kalam. ‘‘Let the business of life be peace and prosperity and not exploitation and conflict,’’ Mkapa quoted from Kalam’s book Ignited Minds. Mkap also read from Kalam’s poem Tree of Life.

On his part, Kalam narrated how India’s higher educational infrastructure was being made use of many of Tanzanian students. ‘‘A sizeable number of students are studying in Bangalore, one of our prime IT centres,’’ he said.

Later, President and his entourage arrived to yet another rousing reception at the island of cloves and spices. While talking to children, he tackled questions in his own style. He then told a concerned mother he had floated the idea that the Tanzanian Government should identify Indian educational institutions with which it could start exchange programmes.

Kalam announced that in his talks with the President of Zanzibar Amani Abeid Karume, he had suggested that the two hospitals in Zanzibar and Dar es Salaam be equipped with good operation theatres after which he could have specialists from India camp there.

A host of other initiatives discussed would be followed up by the MEA. A four-member task force has been set up to identify areas in which projects could be initiated.