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GANDHINAGAR, INDIA, February 6, 2004: Hectic preparations are underway at the Akshardham temple for a colourful function to be held there on Sunday, February 7, where President A. P. J. Abdul Kalam will interact with 20,000 children from different parts of the world. The President will attend the two-hour-long Balotsav (children’s festival) between 5.30 pm and 7.30 pm during which he will also have a question-answer session with the children. The entire program will be telecast live by Astha channel in 150 countries, including India. Each child will release a “balloon for peace” in the sky to kick start the function being organized by Bochasanvasi Akshar Purshottam Swaminarayan Sansthan (BAPS) to mark the completion of 50 years of children’s activities being carried out by them in over 4,000 centers across the world. Swami Brahma Viharidas, the coordinator of the program, told The Indian Express on Friday that Pramukh Swami, Deputy Prime Minister L. K. Advani, Gujarat Governor Kailashpati Mishra and Chief Minister Narendra Modi will also attend the function. He said the function will be conducted by children themselves. The central theme of the programme is “Children — The future of our nation” and “Rebuild our nation with work, values and wisdom.” Though most of the children attending the programme are from India, many are being flown in from US, UK and African nations. Kalam will also have a brief interaction with Pramukh Swami.

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