Whenever our PMs visit another country we take pride if they perform something different that touches our chord. For example, when PV Narasimha Rao visited China and prostrated in front of a Buddha statue our hair stood up in a thrill. That is what we need to strengthen humanity.

As children we have heard and read lovely things about Japan, their patriotism, honesty, support to Netaji during World War II, industrial products, toys, kites, power of flawless imitation, frequent earthquakes, and now I love their short verses - haiku, senryu, tanka, haibun etc. We also know our strong ties with Japan from the ancient times of Emperor Ashoka. With this backdrop we were waiting for the outcome of our PM's visit.

Besides political and economic negotiations, I loved his meeting with 93-year old Saichiro Misumi, an associate of Subhash Chandra Bose. It is very thoughtful of Modi to touch the old heart so full of history! I am, perhaps many along with me will be, very thrilled by this thoughtful act to greet Misumi on behalf of India!!

May Modi's visit cement our old friendship with Japan, and may cool breeze of peace and goodwill blow across the globe.