Khushwant Singh, noted journalist and former editor of The Illustrated Weekly of India and The Hindustan Times, was pleasantly surprised when President A P J Abdul Kalam broke protocol to call on him to wish him a belated happy birthday.
"President Kalam wanted to go and see Khushwant Singhji on Feburary 2 to wish him, but somehow it did not happen. He found time on Friday and decided to make quick visit to discuss some of his books with the noted scribe," S M Khan, press secretary to President of India told rediff.com on Saturday morning.
The meeting lasted for half an hour with Khushwant taking his legendary chair by the fireplace and the President, the chair meant for the guests.
"Someone from the President's house called me and said that President Kalam wanted to see me at my convenience. I thought someone was playing a prank. That happened last week, but when the police arrived this afternoon, I knew that he was coming," Khushwant told mediapersons who met him after the visit.
According to the celebrated writer, the two talked about Kalam's Ignited Minds. Khushwant admitted that he wanted to tear the book to pieces, but when he went through the book, he changed his mind.
Kalam broke a rule while meeting Khushwant at his Sujan Singh residence in Khan market in South Delhi. "Please do not ring the bell unless expected," says a signboard outside Khushwant's residence.
Kalam broke the rule and sure enough, Khushwant did not mind that.
