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When the Indian version of the hit US kids' show "Sesame Street" airs on television later this year, Indian pre-schoolers can learn to count to five along with First Lady Laura Bush.
The first lady, who accompanied President George W. Bush on his maiden trip to India, followed a separate schedule Thursday that focused on children's issues, including a visit to a TV studio where the show is in production.
As Bush toured the Indian capital and sealed a landmark civilian nuclear cooperation deal with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, the first lady was complimenting an Indian muppet on his multicolored dreadlocks.
"I like it," she told the storytelling character Aanchoo after he asked her what she thought of his hairdo.
In another scene she greeted the audience in Hindi and then helped the educational show's main character, a little girl called Chamki, count to five in English.
"This is my new friend -- Mrs. Bush," Chamki told the audience, according to a copy of the script of "Galli Galli Sim Sim," the Indian name of the show. "Galli" means alley in Hindi.
The Indian show is partly funded by the United States Agency for International Development as part of its drive to create universal primary education worldwide.
After the taping Laura Bush visited a home providing shelter and education to abused adolescents and fielded questions about the United States.
"I want to congratulate each one of you for studying hard and changing your life," she told youngsters at the center.
Because of the US president's packed schedule, the first lady will miss out on a visit to India's famed monument to love, the Taj Mahal, during their three-day trip to India.
Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh apologized on her husband's behalf for the failure to show her the monument.
"I am truly sorry the president is not taking you to Taj Mahal this time and I hope he will be more chivalrous the next time you are here," Singh said in a lunchtime speech.
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AFP 021129 GMT 03 06
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