OThe little park, where the statue stands, was teeming with at least a thousand fans or more. And even larger troupe of police was in evidence. Folks hung from rooftops, with their kids, waiting for even a tiny glimpse of her. Posters and music welcomed her.

Television cameras had captured every available spot or chath (roof). Little girls bravely waited with autograph books. And umpteen folks, some of them clad in their best Patola saris, stood around hoping to garland her or shower her with flowers.

The police violently and angrily held the crowd back trying to give her a path by which to reach the statue and the park. But there were way too many people. Utter chaos reigned.

Sunita's car was sent on a round while the police once more attempted to keep the crowds in check. But by the time she returned traffic jams, and even more people, were hindering her progress as the Innova inched closer to the park. She was finally whisked out of the car and bundled up to the statue in half a minute flat and hurried back to her vehicle, as policemen pummeled the crowd and physically tossed people out of her path.

Despite the intimidating police presence, everyone in Ahmedabad, it seemed -- from grannies to youths and little children -- were passionately delighted to have her in their midst.

She may have been born half-Slovenian and raised in Massachusetts, but Gujarat has made her its special star.

People occupying rooftops to catch a glimpse of Sunita