"This election will really have an impact on every single person in the world," Nair said. "The US president defines so much of our future, whether we like it or not. So everyone in the world should vote for this election (and the audience laughed). But the responsibility is really heavy on you, because with your vote, you will change this world."
"We have had eight years of enough," Nair said, referring to the Bush presidency. "We are nearing the end of a long battle and in just 30 days we will have a president, the right president -- Barack Obama. We know what direction America is to take. One of hope and one of belief in the future. One that expects a commitment for the best from us, from the nation and the world. In short, one embodied by Barack Obama."
Nair then compared Obama -- the best-selling author of two books to the six writers who were seated behind her. "Like Barack Obama all six of these amazing authors on this stage have spent considerable time reflecting on individual's role in the society and America's place in the world," she said.
"Like Barack Obama they tell stories that help illuminate and enlighten the human experience. Like Obama they use their words to help people."
Image: Mira Nair with Kiran Desai
Also read: Coverage: US elections 2008