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Hyderabad readies to host Laura
For the first time, a US First Lady wil visit the city, writes Ashok Das.
The US First Lady, Laura Bush, is likely to attend two programmes in Hyderabad when she visits the state capital along with her husband, President George W. Bush, on March 3.
Officials say this will be the first time a US First Lady visits a south Indian city. Bill Clinton was the first US President to visit Hyderabad.
The state government had suggested five places to be included in Laura’s itinerary — Chow Mohalla Palace, Charminar, Salar Jung Museum, University College for Women and Freedom Foundation, an AIDS care center.
However, Laura can attend only two programmes due to security reasons and time constraints.
The US team has ruled out Chow Mohalla, Charminar and Salar Jung as they are in the Old City, where a mob had gone on the rampage over the cartoon controversy last Friday.
Both the College and Foundation have US connections. The American Express has granted $100,000 for the restoration of Durbar Hall in the residency complex that houses the college while the Foundation is partly supported by the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation.
US officials have chosen Agriculture University and the Indian School of Business for the President's visit. Bush will fly to both venues in a chopper.
