Khagaria: Microsoft may not have much brand recognition in Khagaria in Bihar, but villagers here knew the man approaching them by boat was a gazillionaire.
Fresh off two boats, arrived Bill Gates to research the need and viability of a large-scale immunization programme in parts of rural Bihar just like this one.
"The idea that we can provide thousands of vaccines in these remote areas, and that they can save the lives of hundreds of children, is very exciting to us," said Gates.
In Amethi in Uttar Pradesh, it was Rahul Gandhi who served as Gates' official tour guide. (
Read: Bill Gates visits Amethi with Rahul I
Watch) In Bihar, government officials and members of his Foundation accompanied Gates on his journey. Upon his return to Patna, he met with Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, who said, "He made the effort to visit such remote areas...it is a good thing."
Gates says that over the next few months, he will work with Kumar on deciding how much to spend on his health initiative for Bihar. Gates' philanthropy will fund the exercise. Kumar's team will have to provide the political commitment for implementing it.