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Desi whirl, my desi whirl |
| By: A Correspondent | | Date:
2010-11-05 | | Place: Mumbai | |
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While Obama's name is on everyone's lips, with the US president scheduled to be in Mumbai tomorrow, a look at some previous leaders and key political figures who had arrived in India earlier
Obama in Asia
Barack Obama will be in the country between November 6 and 8. It is his longest visit to any foreign country after he became the President of the United States.
Trade, security and terrorism are the key issues to be discussed in India. With China, which is seen as a rising power, it is in America's interest to further strengthen the relationship with India.
In 2009, the US Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton visited the Self Employed Women's Association (SEWA) at Napean Sea Road, Mumbai. Reporters covering the visit remembered SEWA women making diet samosas for Hillary ben as they called her
Obama goes to Indonesia after India. His visit there will bring a whiff of nostalgia to the US prez. As a child, Obama lived in Indonesia for four years.
He is expected to address a huge gathering in the country to reach out to the people of Indonesia, which is the world's largest Muslim nation. Security and economic issues are on the agenda. He will be in the country from November 9 to November 10.
In Seoul, Obama will be in the country primarily to attend the G20 summit. The U.S.-South Korea Free Trade Agreement will also be discussed. Obama is scheduled to have a meeting with Chinese President Hu Jintao. North Korea, a growing nuclear power, is also a concern for the President.
In Japan, Obama will meet Naoto Kan, Japan's new Prime Minister to discuss the US-Japan alliance. The US president will be in Yokohama to attend the Asia-Pacific leaders conference.Growing concern about China's naval activities might strengthen the ties between Japan and the US.
Obama's Bollywood connection
Well, it looks like Obama has some Bollywood connection. Bollywood painters who used to hand paint film posters many years ago are also gripped by the Obamamania.
Hand painted posters of Obama painted by these painters are in great demand with the buzz around Obama's visit.
"Demand for hand painted products featuring Obama has gone up post the recent announcement of his planned visit to India.
Several customers are inquiring about hand painted canvas portraits and posters of Obama," said Hinesh Jethwani, Founder & Head, Indian Hippy, foundation constituting Bollywood film poster and billboard artists.
The foundation has been selling ladies handbags, men's wallets and foldable chairs with Obama's hand painted portraits on it.
The hottest selling item is the chair," says Jethwani.
The Nobel laureate's visit has sparked a demand for his memorabilia and products referred by many as "Obamabilia."
Over the top
News agencies state that the cost of US President Barack Obama s upcoming trip to India has been criticised by a Republican leader as "over-the-top" spending but the White House said the figures cited by the lawmaker, have 'no basis' in reality."
When asked whether she would support cuts to Social Security and Medicare, Representative Michele Bachmann, a Republican from Minnesota fresh off a victory in her closely watched re-election bid, slammed the White House for the massive overspending" for Obama s maiden visit to India.
A top official of the Maharashtra Government privy to the arrangements for the high-profile visit has reckoned that a whopping USD 200 million (Rs 900 crore approx) per day would be spent by various teams coming from the US in connection with Obama's two-day stay in the city.
About 3,000 people including Secret Service agents, US government officials and journalists would accompany the President. Several officials from the White House and US security agencies are already in Mumbai for the past one-week with helicopters, a ship and high-end security instruments.
Asked for comment about Bachmann s criticism of the trip, the White House said in a written statement that the figures cited by the Republican lawmaker, "have no basis in reality."
Kem cho, Obama bhai?
Since Obama is coming to Mumbai, a number of readers, weary maybe of Obama mania have been telling us what Mr. President should do (in lighter vein) when he arrives in Mumbai.
He must visit the White House at Walkeshwar (near Teen Batti) in Mumbai (there is a building called the White House). Feeling homesick in two days Obama? There's a White House in Mumbai too.
Go to the New Yorker restaurant at Chowpatty. Stand in a serpentine queue and munch on Tex-Mex, Gujju style. Meanwhile, pick up some Gujarati lingo too, Obamabhai and Michelle ben.
Hold an aina on China: With India and China poised to becoming the next superpowers, Obama had better do his homework here. Eat Chinese bhel at a Mumbai roadside kerb or buy one of those hot selling Chinese lanterns at a Diwali mela. It is enter the dragon in Mumbai. |
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