Obama mentioned his "hero" Mahatma Gandhi six times and India 61 times as he recalled the country's contribution in "shaping the world for thousands of years".
US President Barack Obama today told Indians that America will stand "shoulder to shoulder" with them as they work hard for a better future -- whether they are in the 'bylanes of Chandni Chowk' or a 'new high-rise in Bangalore'.
"We believe that no matter who you are or where you come from, every person can fulfil their God-given potential, just as a Dalit like Dr Ambedkar could lift himself up and pen the words of the Constitution that protects the rights of all Indians," said Obama said in his address to Parliament.
As Indians march ahead with their hard work, the US president said, his country will not simply be cheering from the sidelines but "we will be right there with you, shoulder to shoulder. Because we believe in the promise of India. And we believe that the future is what we make it."
"We believe that no matter where you live -- whether a village in Punjab or the bylanes of Chandni Chowk...an old section of Kolkata or a new high-rise in Bangalore -- every person deserves the same chance to live in security and dignity, to get an education, to find work, and to give their children a better future," the 49-year-old leader said.
Obama mentioned his "hero" Mahatma Gandhi six times and India 61 times as he recalled the country's contribution in "shaping the world for thousands of years". In the same context, he recalled Swami Vivekananda's address in his hometown of Chicago over a century ago.
"Instead of succumbing to division, you have shown that the strength of India -- the very idea of India -- is its embrace of all colours, castes and creeds. It's the diversity represented in this chamber today. It's the richness of faiths celebrated by a visitor to my hometown of Chicago more than a century ago -- the renowned Swami Vivekananda," he said.
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