This is in reference to the response (Letters, Mar 4) of His Excellency Mr Juan Alfredo Pinto Saavedra, Ambassador, Colombia, to my article (?Where is the beauty?, Feb 19). I apologise if I have hurt feelings due to any misunderstanding, since he is an honoured guest in India. I reassure the Ambassador that I love Colombia very deeply, have excellent friends there, and cherish exquisite memories of the warmth, affection and hospitality of its people.
The name of the vice-president of Colombia is: Francisco Santos Calderon. I had used the name correctly, without the middle name, in my 650-word piece, due to space pressure. My article, was the outcome of a BBC TV discussion, on the cocaine menace, which I had with the vice-president, when we went live around the world (recording available with me). So, I do know his name and also his views.
I applaud the commendable endeavours of the Colombian government to eradicate the drug mafia, and its tremendous success. Yes, Colombia is an excellent country to invest live in, provided one exercises due caution. His Excellency perhaps misunderstood my article and/or intention. I was presenting the sociology of a country, which is desperate to progress and grow, but is at times impeded by the cocaine menace. I was also underscoring the trauma of youngsters like Christina, building a new country, trying to push the past away.
The plain truth is that I adore Colombia?and also Simon Bolivar and Gabriel Garcia Marquez. In Bogota, I fell in love with the only girl I have loved in my life. She dumped me. I yet miss her. I hope you enjoy India as much as I relished Colombia.
?Rajendra K Aneja, Dubai
This discussion is now closed?Editor