New Delhi, Jan 27 (IANS) "Sisters and brothers of India", is how US President Barack Obama addressed a town hall style gathering here Tuesday, stressing that the ties between the two countries can be the "defining partnership of the century".
In his speech at the Siri Fort Auditorium before a gathering largely comprising young people, students, NGOs and diplomats, Obama said: “I believe that the relationship between India and the US can become the defining partnership of the century".
He said he is "optimistic of the future" of the two countries and added that he is proud to be India's partner, "proud to be your friend".
Obama struck a personal chord with the mainly youthful crowd, saying he was very impressed with the daredevilry of the motorcycle contingent riding Royal Enfield bikes and wished he could ride a bike too.
"But the Secret Service does not let me ride motor cycles", and also remarked that he cannot dance as well as his wife Michelle.
In a speech where he touched on the need for India and the US to work together on climate change, on how the US can partner India in its growth story, in defence cooperation and becoming partners in the security of the Asia-Pacific region, the American president also stressed on the need for the government to uphold the freedom of religion written in the constitution.
He recalled Swami Vivekananda and his speech in Chicago where he addressed the gathering as "Sisters and brothers of America" and said he is going to address the audience likewise, and said "Sisters and brothers of India", and repeated it again in the middle of the speech.
Obama also touched on human rights and the important role of women in building homes, societies. "We must work for a society where everybody has a chance, everybody who can work, and that includes our women," he said.
He mentioned his wife Michelle who accompanied him to the auditorium and said :"I am married to a very strong and talented woman, Michelle is not afraid to speak her mind to me", and added that he is proud of his two daughters. He also said it is necessary to ensure women can walk the streets with safety and security.
He also said he was happy to see so many women commanding contingents in the Republic Day parade and specially mentioned the woman who commanded the guard of honour accorded to him at Rashtrapati Bhavan Jan 25.
Obama recounted how in his last visit he had visited the Humayun's Tomb and met the families of some labourers working there.
The little son of one of them, Vishal, is today a 16-year old, he said, and added he was happy to note that Vishal today studies and dreams of joining the armed forces "an example of the talent that is here".
The teenager and his family were in the auditorium.
Ahead of his speech, Obama and his wife met Nobel Peace prize winner Kailash Satyarthi at the auditorium as well as some of the NGOs.
To the end of the speech, where he was cheered loudly by the audience, Obama and Michelle held hands and mixed with the enthusiastic crowd.
External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar attended a book release ceremony in Delhi. During this
The budget session of Parliament is starting from today. The session will begin with the address
Gujarat Titans have secured their seventh win in the current season of IPL. He defeated Rajasthan
New Delhi. Recently, a new education policy has been implemented by the UGC for studies from repu
Anupam Kher On Nadav Lapid Statement: Anupam Kher publicly criticized IFFI jury head Nadav Lapid
The final of IPL 2025 will be played today between Punjab Kings and Royal Challengers Bangalore a
Monkeypox: WHO again alerts on increasing cases of monkeypox, said - data is being reviewed
The World Health Organization (WHO) has again alerted to the increasing cases of monkeypox. Dr. P
The impact of the reforms made by the government in GST rates can be seen in the festive shopping
Now only two to three days are left for the Reserve Bank of India's rules related to card tokeniz
UP Board: New course was started for the employment of students, and not a single admission was done
UP Board Student Employment Course: Uttar Pradesh Board had started four new courses under skill
