‘Bahut dhanyavad’, this is how U.S. President Barack Obama thanked people of India for the warm welcome and hospitality he and First Lady Michelle Obama received during their visit here.
The ‘thank you’ in Hindi during his 35-minute address at the Central Hall of Parliament was received with a thunderous applause by the law makers which included Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, United Progressive Alliance Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and top Bharatiya Janata Party leader L. K. Advani.
“At every stop, we have been welcomed with the hospitality for which Indians have always been known. So to you and the people of India, on behalf of me, Michelle and the American people, please accept our deepest thanks. Bahut dhanyavad,” he said.
The American President wound up his speech by saying ’Jai Hind’ which was also received by the MPs with cheers.
Every moment he mentioned prominent Indian figures like Mahatma Gandhi, Rabindranath Tagore, B. R. Ambedkar and Panchatantra, collection of stories which has “guided Indians for centuries”, and was received warmly by the Parliamentarians.
“We believe that when countries and cultures put aside old habits and attitudes that keep people apart, when we recognise our common humanity, then we can begin to fulfil the aspirations we share.
“It’s a simple lesson contained in that collection of stories which has guided Indians for centuries-the Panchtantra,” he said.
He also mentioned in his speech about the inscription seen at the entrance of the Central hall which read “That one is mine and the other a stranger is the concept of little minds. But to the large-hearted, the world itself is their family.”
