Obama In Mumbai
An Experience To Remember
An Experience To Remember
I was asked by our principal of St. Andrews College, Dr.
Marie Fernandes, if I’d like to go for a talk by President Obama. I replied, “Yes,
of course.”
Even though I am not a great follower of him, I knew I was
about to meet the most powerful man in the world, and that was enough to keep
me excited. I felt lucky when I learnt that I along with 9 other students from
St. Andrews college were among the fortunate 300 students from six colleges
across the city who were about to attend the Town Hall meeting with Mr. Barack
Obama. Calls from officials at mid night for verification, trips to police
station, submission of various identity proofs and all the gruelling security
procedures we went through almost a week before the Town Hall event.
At last, the day arrived, Sunday, November 07, 2010 when the
President of United States, Mr. Barack Obama visited St. Xavier’s college, Mumbai.
For over one hour of wait, under the unrelenting mid day sun, we were still all
geared up. US President Barack Obama along with Michelle Obama walked into 130
year old quadrangle at St. Xavier’s college looking all fresh in crisp white
shirt, with sleeves rolled up to address the 300 students, as we welcomed him
with thunderous applause.
First Lady Michelle Obama dressed in pragmatic black and
white dress; she won my interest and encouraged us to “keep dreaming. Keep dreaming
big, huge, gigantic dreams. Not just for yourself, but for our community and
the world”. She spoke at length on her childhood dreams, remembering the values
her parents instilled in her. Michelle Obama
was very impressive with great personality and she spoke about values that hit
right chord .She concluded her talk with, “He (Obama) doesn’t just meet heads
with states....He always meets with young people like you....” and also urged
us to “ask him tough questions” and to “keep him on his toes”. On that note she
handed over the stage to her husband, as we greeted him with a resounding
applause and whoops of delight.
Obama’s introductory speech not only had ample reference to Mahatma
Gandhi, it also had plenty of India shining moments. “Some people say India is raising
power. We say India has already risen. It has taken rightful place in the Asian
and global scene” he said.
He also stated, “I am here because I think that the
partnership between India and US has limitless potential to improve lives of Indians
and Americans. It has potential to be the anchor of security and prosperity and
progress for Asia and the world.”
Obama posed three questions for us students: “What do you
want India to look like in 20 years? 20 years from now what kind of partnership
do you want with the US? And how do you want to make this world a better place?”
In the long hour interactive session Obama asked us students
to ask him few questions that were on our mind and as if on the cue, the first
question of the day was about jihad and jihadis, and other few questions that
followed was on Indo-US relationship, Pakistan not being declared as terrorist
state, materialism and spirituality and few other questions attached to it. And
well, he answered those questions quiet well.
Before they left the college they shook hands with as many
as possible, and yes, I was among the lucky ones who got to shake hands with
both of them. This experience was overwhelming, that made my parents proud and I am grateful for having
been given this once in a lifetime opportunity.
No comments:
Post a Comment