Sunday, January 6, 2002		VIP Toon Tales

GIRIJA Prasad Koirala, who remained Prime Minister of Nepal for most of the 10 years since the country became a democracy, was in Delhi on a state visit in December 1991. A tall figure with his Nepali cap was, no doubt, an attraction for anyone who wanted to sketch him. I was no exception. When I saw him in front of the Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi taking salute I felt like making his sketch and obtaining his autograph over it.

I met him later during one of his engagements and faced the usual difficulty of going near him. However, it was possible with the help of the authorities concerned. As I approached Koirala for his autograph over his sketch, he was somewhat puzzled as he had not expected it. He took time to understand what I meant and later placed his signature over it without any comment.