Ansari pays tribute to Abid Hussain

"It is difficult to speak about some one who personified life itself and lent vibrancy to whatever he touched. He was at all times involved, responsive, innovative, thought provoking.

"He cultivated refinement without extravagance and knowledge. Above all, he was humane and compassionate," Ansari said at a prayer meeting here on Hussain's death.

Recalling Hussain's stint as Indian ambassador to the US, Ansari said when President Ronald Reagan asked him to explain the intricacies of India's problems with Pakistan, Hussain refused to take the bait and replied that in the limited time available, he would instead talk about trade and technology.