Mandalay, Mar 10 (UNI) Amid a hectic schedule in Yangon that kept him busy in the hurly-burly world of politics, India's scientist-President APJ Abdul Kalam today found solace in the company of teachers, scholars and Buddhist monks when he visited this ''city of pagodas'' on the concluding day of his three-day state visit to Myanmar.

President Kalam, accompanied by Minister of State Kumari Selja and Foreign Secretary Shyam Saran, immediately drove to the University of Traditional Medicines on his arrival here and asked searching questions on the utility of this branch of medical science.

Dr Kalam, who himself is a champion of traditional medicines, has grown several species of herbal plants, including the ones with curative properties for cancers and even impotency, on the sprawling Mughal Gardens in the Rashtrapati Bhawan, was greeted by University Rector Lwin Ko, who made a presentation on the importance of traditional medicines with amazing healing power.

The President, who also visited various faculties of the university and met senior fellows, charmed them by his wit and humour and also by his profound knowledge of traditional medicines.

Later, he visited Kutho Daw Pagoda, a distinctive feature of which is the inscription of the entire Tripitaka (the whole of Buddhist scriptures) on 729 stone slabs. These descriptions have been described as the world's biggest book.

This pagoda is located within the campus of Pariyatti Sasana University, which also teaches Pali and Sanskrit.

Dr Kalam also visited Maha Myat Muni Pagoda, which is the most revered one in this second biggest Myanmarese city after Yangon.

Within its precincts is a replica of the Ashoka Pillar.

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