Sonia Gandhi made it point to be in Delhi for the Republic Day celebrations, despite having a busy election schedule. Those who were there also witnessed how at the advice of a news channel, the respected President interacted with school children for the first time and reminded one of her predecessor APJ Abdul Kalam, who had a special liking for children and the young. Experts believe that this act by the President will give further impetus to her claim at the post for a second time.