The Hindu : Vajpayee calls up Bush

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Feb 03, 2003

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Vajpayee calls up Bush

By Neena Vyas

NEW DELHI FEB. 2. The country's shock and grief at the break-up of the space shuttle, Columbia, leading to the death of all seven crew members, including India-born Kalpana Chawla, were personally conveyed to the United States President, George Bush, by the Prime Minister, Atal Behari Vajpayee, over telephone tonight.

Calling Mr. Bush, Mr. Vajpayee said India shared the sorrow of the American people. He also expressed the conviction that the U.S. would leave the setback behind and go on to achieve greater heights in space exploration. While thanking the Prime Minister for the call and the letter sent yesterday, Mr. Bush spoke of Kalpana as a "brave and courageous woman born in your great country.'' During the five-minute telephone call, both leaders are reported to have expressed satisfaction with the development of bilateral relations. Mr. Vajpayee said Kalpana had become a symbol of the cooperation between the two countries.

President pained

The President, A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, and senior leaders of political parties have expressed their shock. Dr. Kalam said that he felt the pain all the more as a member of the space community. He has sent a message to Mr. Bush joining him in the hour of grief and conveying his condolences to the families of the seven astronauts.

Sonia's letter

The Congress president, Sonia Gandhi, in a letter to Kalpana's brother, Sanjay Chawla, expressed shock and grief at the tragic loss and offered condolences to the family. She said that "Kalpana had the vision and the courage to reach for the stars... she died after accomplishing two path-breaking missions that will push forward the frontiers of knowledge''.

Her bravery and brilliance will "motivate young Indians for generations to come'' and she herself would always find an honoured place in the history of India and the world," Ms. Gandhi said.

In a statement, the U.S. Ambassador, Robert D. Blackwill, said all members of the U.S. mission here "extend their heartfelt condolences to the families of the courageous astronauts of Columbia, including the family of Kalpana Chawla''.

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