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Throughout Gandhi's tour, security was extraordinarily tight. The reason for concern: a possible assault on Gandhi by Sikh extremists; it was Sikh extremists who assassinated Rajiv's mother Indira last October. As it was, hundreds of Sikh demonstrators could be heard shouting protests during the welcoming ceremonies at the White House.
Gandhi also used his visit to feed the U.S. appetite for Indian culture, opening the 18-month Festival of India, a series of more than 200 performances and exhibitions in 80 American cities. Said the pleased Prime Minister: "I have no doubt that this visit will help to bring about greater understanding between our two countries."