America can be India’s best partner: Barack Obama
NEW DELHI : 11: 35 am: Michell Obama and Barack Obama walk through audience in auditorium as the song Mitwa from film Lagaan plays.
U.S. President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama with Kailash Satyarthi, third from right, his wife Sumedha Satyarth (left), with Deepak, and Payal Jangid at the Siri Fort Auditorium in New Delhi.
11:33 am: Optimistic about our future, we vote in free elections, reach for heights, respect human rights. Imaginations beyond our lives: Obama
11:30 am: Mr. Obama introduces Vishal,16, who he met at Humayuns Tomb in 2010. He says Vishal is an example of young talent with aspirations to study.
11: 25 am: Every Indian should celebrate the susccess of Shahrukh Khan, Mary Kom, Milkha Singh equally,not by colour of skin, or worship, he says.
11: 24 am: Freedom of religion is written in our constitution. Michelle and I have been strengthened by our Christian faith: President Obama
11: 22 am: Every daughter is as important as a son. Incredible to see all the women in the Indian armed forces: Obama
11: 21 am: President Obama introduces Nancy Pelosi to audience to show where women can reach in the US. He says nations are successful when girls are.
11: 20 am: “The dreams of those who do menial jobs are just as worthy as ours. Luckily we live in countries where they can dream. In India and US, the grandson of a cook can be president, son of a dalit as president,tea-seller a prime minister”
11:19 am: Even though America has blessed us, there were moments in my life where I was treated differently because of the colour of my skin: Obama
11:17 am: We are the strongest when we see the inherent dignity in everybody: Obama
11: 15 am: “It is unfair for developed countries to ask developing countries to cut carbon emissions. But if we don’t, there is no chance against climate change”
11: 14 am: In recent years, India has lifted more people from poverty than any other country: Obama
11: 13 am: “India and US can work on vaccines to ensure no child dies of preventable disease.”
11: 12 am: “We want to see a reformed United Nations security council that has India as a member.” Audience cheer loudly for this
11: 11 am: Both nations have felt the brunt of terrorism. Now rising to new challenges like maritime navigation in the east: Obama
11: 10 am: We can finally move towards implementing the civilian nuclear deal which will give Indians much needed electricity: President Obama
11: 08 am: The world would be a lot safer when our 2 democracies stand together: President Obama
11: 06 am: President Obama speaks of Vivekananda US visit: says, having thrown off colonialism, we begin our constitutions the same way,”We the People”
11: 05 am: India represents intersection of two men who have inspired me: Martin Luther King Jr. and Mahatma Gandhi.Those two great souls are why we’re here today
11:03 am: Secret Service doesn’t let me ride motorcycles, especially on my head, says U.S. President Barack Obama referring to daredevil bikers on R-Day.
11:00 am: U.S. President Barack Obama arrives. Starts Siri Fort address with “Namaste”!
10: 57 am: First Lady of the United States Michelle Obama arrives at Siri Fort Auditorium.
10:53 am: Noble laureate Kailash Satyarthi arrives. Audience at Siri Fort Auditorium applauds the Nobel prize winner he walks before Obama address.
10:49 am: Mr. Obama to speak on “India and America: The Future We Can Build Together”. It is his last engagement before he leaves India.
10:39 am: Mr. Obama’s address to begin shortly.
10:24 am: Delhi Traffic Police: “Buses are not allowed on Bhisham Pitamaah Marg and Panchsheel Marg due to VVIP movement. Inconvenience regretted.”
10:20 am: Mr. Obama will meet Noble laureate Kailash Satyarthi who along with Pakistani activist Malala Yousafzai was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2014 “for their struggle against the suppression of children and young people and for the rights of all children to education.”
08: 50 am: The auditorium is nearly full. More than an hour ahead of time.
