Thaindian News

New Delhi, Nov 8 (IANS) Loud applause, words of appreciation and a standing ovation followed US President Barack Obama’s address to parliamentarians that left the audience spellbound at its live telecast at the American Center here Monday.

“I have been to the US for an exchange programme during my graduation. I have attended his speeches in America also, but hearing him live from the Indian parliament is an incredible experience,” 22-year-old Arundhati Sridhar, a student of Delhi University, told IANS.

“We students have a lot of hopes from this visit. There are so many of us who want to go to the US for higher studies. This visit has placed India on a global stage,” Sridhar added.

Nearly 100 people, including library members, students, journalists, attended the telecast of Obama’s address.

Some students turned up to refresh their political awareness also.

“I was here to get a clear view about the US president’s stand on India-Pakistan relations. Not a really satisfactory answer, but it was great to hear from him talk about ‘India and US walk hand-in-hand’ and creation of new jobs,” said Piyush Bhardwaj, 22, a student of law from Bangalore.

“Obama engages you in that much needed one-to-one interaction. And when a world leader like him talks about Gandhian values, it’s a proud moment for every Indian,” Bhardwaj added.

What students in Delhi really missed was a visit by the US president to the capital’s colleges and universities.

“I think Mumbai students are indeed fortunate to have an interaction with such a dynamic leader. Concentrating on the youth is one of the main things our leaders need to do. Delhi may be lucky next time,” said Mohammad Akalakh, 25, a student of literature at the Jawaharlal Nehru University in Delhi.