Wednesday, May 25 2005 09:55 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Moscow: "Life is a phoenix, can rise from ashes...", thus wrote an emotionally moved President A P J Abdul Kalam at a memorial for Russian soldiers martyred in the World War II in Moscow yesterday (May 24, 2005).

Kalam wrote the poem to mark his visit to the Tomb of Unknown Soldiers in Moscow, where the ashes of the Russian martyrs of the World War II are kept.

Watching the newly wed Russian couples getting themselves photographed at this memorial, the President wrote:

"Life is a phoenix, can rise from ashes

Presents a future at challenging situations

This alter of ashes is fountain of new life

War was thrusted, martyrdom shined

Memories of soldiers ignite beauties of life

Phoenix is a metaphor of life in its action

Ashes remind us to celebrate greatness of those lives."

The President handed over the poem to his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin during a banquet hosted by the latter for the visiting dignitary. Kalam, who was in the last phase of his visit to Russia, was served with stuffed tomatoes, vegetable soup, mushroom pie, assorted fruits and berries at the banquet.

The Indian President also had the delight to listen to two oldies of Bollywood 'Mera Juta Hai Japani' and 'Jindagi Ek Safar Hai Suhana' at the banquet.