Prini (Manali): Children will no more have to think how to address Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The former Prime Minister today (June 18, 2004) became their "Mama".

"We address Mahatma Gandhi as Bapu, Pandit Nehru as Chacha and from now on we want to make you our Mama," one of the school children gathered here to felicitate Vajpayee, said.

A visibly happy Vajpayee donated Rs 1,000 to the school and accepted the honour. "I am filled with joy after becoming your Mama," he said.

"I know this is a very small amount but you must remember that your Mama has recently lost his job," Vajpayee remarked in a lighter vein referring to the defeat of his party in the Lok Sabha elections.

He also recited his poem 'oochaiyon par ped nahi lagte', one that he had forgotten mid-way yesterday, to the enthusiastic crowd.

Expressing regret for not getting enough time to pen his imaginations, he said, "Ab kavita kahan, aajkal to sirf rajnitik bhashan karta hoon (no poems, nowadays I only make political speeches)."

Lecturing children on the importance of knowledge in life, the former Prime Minister said this was the only treasure that never gets depleted, nor stolen or looted. He also asked the students to strike a balance between studies and sports.

An uninhibited and relaxed Vajpayee also asked the children to sing "Hum Honge Kamyaab" and intermittently even joined them in singing.