Sunday, December 30, 2001		VIP Toon Tales

"DO I look like this?" was the question posed by the former Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany, Helmut Kohl, when this sketch was given to him for his autograph over it. He was on a state visit to Delhi and to receive the coveted Nehru Award. In reply to his question, I told him that since he was receiving the Nehru Award he should look like Nehru in his attire and sport the familiar rose.

He appeared quite convinced and took the picture and placed his signature over it. All this happened as he was about to leave Raj Ghat, the samadhi of Mahatma Gandhi. One of his aides came to me and whispered into my ears whether I had a copy of the picture to be given to the visiting dignitary. In fact, I had kept a spare one for him which I readily presented to the Chancellor. His response — a broad smile.