Nepal President pays homage to Tagore

An admirer of the Nobel laureate, Yadav reached the Visva Bharati University complex founded by Tagore, in an IAF helicopter at 11 am today.

Stringent security measures were in place as the President, accompanied by his daughter and daughter-in-law, visited the heritage complex ? Kach Mandir, Chhatimtala, Santiniketan Bari and Uttarayan complex. He also visited the museum.

Addressing the media, Yadav said, "Though we belong to different countries there is much similarity between the culture of both the nations. The people of Nepal too respect Tagore and his works. I spent long time in Bengal. I feel very happy to be here again."

Skirting questions on the Maoist problem in India, the President said, "Violence is always and everywhere undesired.

I am a follower of non-violence propagated by Gandhiji."

Media persons alleged that they were prevented from discharging their duty freely and a minor scuffle broke out between the police and reporters in front of Kach Mandir.

Yadav is on a four-day visit to West Bengal ending tomorrow.