New Delhi: President A P J Abdul Kalam hosted the traditional 'At Home' reception this evening (Jan 26, 2004) on the occasion of Republic Day at Rashtrapati Bhavan, where Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva met a large number of invited dignitaries.

Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee was unable to attend the reception following a bereavement in his family.

Among those present at the reception held at the elegant Mughal Gardens were Vice President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat, Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani, former President R Venkataraman and former Prime Minister Inder Kumar Gujral, Congress president Sonia Gandhi, Lok Sabha Speaker Manohar Joshi and Deputy Chairperson of Rajya Sabha Najma Heptullah.

The President exchanged pleasantries with the guests and other dignitaries present on the occasion, which included Union Ministers, Members of Parliament, diplomats and senior officials.

A large number of children too were present on the occasion, including a group of disabled children who had come as special invitees of the President.