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Amidst unprecedented security and purgatorial humidity, former US president on Saturday finally realised his long cherished dream of visiting Mother Teresa's home in Calcutta. An overwhelmed Clinton sang, danced and joined the Missionary of Charity's nuns in special prayers.
Clinton, whose special flight touched Calcutta airport at 1000 hours (IST), headed straight for Mother House at 54, AJC Bose Road.
There was complete chaos outside Mother House with a crowd of over three thousand eagerly waiting to greet Clinton. As soon as he emerged out of his car at 1025 hours, they shouted: Welcome Clinton. We Love You.
Attired in a blue shirt and dark grey trousers, Clinton acknowledged their gesture.
He stood for a brief photo session before joining 60-odd nuns who had been waiting to welcome their special guest.
No one was allowed inside Mother House, not even mediapersons. Clinton emerged out of Mother House at 1130 hours to keep his date with 300 destitute kids of Shishu Bhawan - an orphanage run by the Mission.
Later, Superior General Sister Nirmala said that Clinton took part in special prayers before laying a wreath on Mother Teresa's tomb.
"He also joined other nuns in the song of peace. Thereafter, we had a wonderful one-to-one discussion on various issues threatening the sustainable and harmonious existence of mankind. After talking to him for over half an hour, I think he is indeed a man of immense integrity having a lot of respect and concern for mankind. He appeared quite concerned about the alarming rise in AIDS cases worldwide," Sister Nirmala added.
Clinton spent about 45 minutes with the kids at Shishu Bhawan doing everything to bring smiles on the faces of the innocent children.
Later, a senior nun of Shishu Bhawan told rediff.com that Clinton danced and participated in the welcome song that the kids had prepared.
"He autographed his portraits that the kids had drawn. He also obliged the wishes of many kids who wanted to be photographed with him. What touched the hearts of kids most was when Clinton shook hands with all kids individually," the nun said.
Later, Clinton told reporters outside Shishir Bhawan that it had been his desire to visit the orphange adding that his wife Hillary Clinton and daughter Chelsea had told him 'I must visit them (the kids)'.
"The lovely kids had impressed my wife and daughter when they visited to attend Mother's funeral. I enjoyed every moments I spent with them. I wish I keep coming here again and again to meet them. I will work to bring about US legislation whereby even American citizen can adopt kids from here," Clinton added.
When asked about the heat, Clinton said, "But I feel good. It's as if I am in Florida."
Clinton's short visit to Calcutta ended with a meeting with Governor Viren J Shah, industrialists and NGOs at Raj Bhawan in the afternoon.
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