Saturday, July 30 2005 14:45 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Kochi: Hectic schedules and delays not withstanding, President Dr A P J Abdul Kalam, brought happiness and cheer to a group of school students here last night (July 29, 2005), who had missed an interaction with him the previous day.

The 17 students belonging to the Sree Rama Varma High School and from the Government Girls High School here had been making preparations since the past one-week for an interaction with the President via link from the IT@school Regional Centre, Edapally which was to be held as part of the inauguration of the Virtual Classroom Technology on EDUSAT for Rural schools by the President. However, due to some technical difficulties, the link could not be established.

Highly disappointed, some of the girls broke down and an English daily carried a photograph.

On coming to know of the incident, the President expressed his desire to meet the students and the district administration made arrangements for them to meet the dignitary.

Though the President's programme was packed, as he had to attend functions at Kalady, Alapuzha, Kottayam and Thrissur districts, he did not forget to meet the students.

After returning at around 9 pm from the historic Cheraman Mosque at Kodungalloor, the President interacted with the students, patiently answering their queries, at the airport just before his departure to Delhi.

The students said their cup of happiness was full after they could meet the President.