VAJPAYEE ACCORDING TO AYURVEDA

Dr Sudha Asokan, who runs the Ayurveda Kendra in Delhi's Chanakyapuri area, says Vajpayee belongs to the Kapha body-type. The basic characteristic of the Kapha is 'relaxed'. The prime minister's personality exudes that theme.

• He mulls over things before arriving at a decision. This is invaluable in managing a coalition and forging a consensus.
• He is stable and mostly unflappable. Recently, health problems have induced a nervous anxiety in the prime minister.
• He is taciturn in private and loquacious in public. The burden of office has compelled him to eschew even his oratory. He now reads his speeches and is very uncomfortable with them.
• The prime minister is very expressive with his hands. Having to sit while speaking in public has cramped his style.
• He exudes tranquillity and doesn't lose his temper easily.
• Vajpayee is a natural democrat and respects the opinion of other individuals. He is impressionable but easily forgiving.
• He is fond of the good things in life, particularly travel and food. He is prone to obesity. Of late, he prefers not to travel, if possible.
• He is notoriously bad at remembering names. Although good with concepts, he is terrible with the details.
• The prime minister is naturally retiring and loathes tension-an obligatory feature of the high office he holds.