By IANS,
New Delhi : It was a solemn moment as US President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle laid a wreath at the memorial to Mahatma Gandhi here Monday, saying “his light” still inspires the world. In a heartwarming gesture, he presented a Martin Luther King memorabilia at Rajghat.
During the 20-minute visit, the president jotted down a long note in the visitor’s book at the Rajghat memorial while Michelle stood beside him.
“We will always remember the great soul who changed the world with his message of peace, tolerance and love. More than 60 years after his passing, his light continues to inspire the world,” he wrote. The book was also signed by Michelle.
The two had driven down to the Rajghat memorial – a black marble platform on the right bank of the river Yamuna, where an eternal flame burns at one end – after the ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan in the morning.
Many who witnessed the event said the awe and respect Obama feels for Gandhi – his “real hero” – was writ large on his face.
Many were also taken by surprise when Obama gifted a piece of stone from the Washington national memorial of American civil rights activist Martin Luther King, who was greatly inspired by Gandhi.
Inside the gold-wrapped gift box, the white stone was set on a black base, which was embossed with the presidential seal and Obama’s signature.
The US first couple were presented a bust of Gandhi and a khadi scroll containing the seven social sins Gandhi wrote about in “Young India” in 1925.
The US president, who had visited the Gandhi Museum at Mani Bhavan in Mumbai Saturday, wrote in the visitor’s book: “I am filled with hope and inspiration as I have the privilege to view this testament to Gandhi’s life. He is a hero not just to India but to the world.”
Obama, accompanied by Michelle, arrived in India Saturday, landing in Mumbai. They reached Delhi Sunday afternoon and will be here until Tuesday.