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This article was first published 13 years ago

Obama pays tribute to his Indian hero

Last updated on: November 8, 2010 12:06 IST


Photographs: B Mathur/Reuters

United States President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle on Monday paid rich tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat in New Delhi.

The Obamas reached the memorial of the Father of the Nation in Delhi after being accorded a ceremonial reception at the Rashtrapati Bhavan.

'We will always remember the great soul'


Photographs: B Mathur/Reuters

The US First Couple placed a wreath at the memorial located on the banks of Yamuna.

"We will always remember the great soul who changed the world with his message of peace, tolerance, of love. More than 60 years of his passing (away), his light continues to inspire the world," the US President wrote in the visitor's book.

Rare gift by Obama


Photographs: B Mathur/Reuters

Obama presented a rare gift to the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi -- a stone used to build the memorial of civil rights icon Martin Luther King, who was inspired by Gandhi.

Obama handed over the memorabilia to Rajnish Kumar, secretary of Rajghat Samadhi Committee. The US First Couple bowed their heads and stood in silence for a minute next to the Samadhi. They also placed a wreath and showered flower petals on it.

'Simple and very beautiful'


Photographs: B Mathur/Reuters

"Simple and very beautiful," Obama, who has always acknowledged the Mahatma's influence on him, said as Michelle nodded, "very beautiful."

The visiting dignitaries took off their shoes before entering the memorial. They were received by Kumar, who presented them a charkha, a Gandhi bust and a scroll which describes the seven social sins, as defined by the Mahatma.