Rajiv
Gandhi was first Head of State in the
world to take the initiative of contributing
towards Africa Fund.
I was called by Rajiv Gandhi and asked
to go to Tanzania to meet South African
leaders with him (who were strugging
for freedom from outside).
Nelson Mandela was in prison at that
time. I was briefed by Mr. Ronen Sen
with him (IFS), Joint Secretary in Prime
Minister's office. Since I had to depart
in the same night, my Private Secretary
Mr. P.P. Singh had to break open the
almirah to locate my passport. After
South Africa gained freedom & first
President Nelson Mandela visited India.
I met him and quietly told him that
I met South African leaders in Tanzania
on behalf of Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.
Nelson Mandela hugged me and I became
emotional.
