US president and first lady floor students and teachers of Holy Name School.
Not everyday does one get to dance with presidents and first ladies. For that matter, not everyday do presidents and first ladies shake a leg. But American first citizens Barack and Michelle Obama are not chips of the old block.
On Sunday, the Obamas visited the Holy Name High School and left everyone ecstatic. After being prodded by the students, the couple surprised everybody by doing a jig to the tune of the koli dance Mi hai koli.
“When the song started, both he and his wife were tapping their feet and clapping. After the performance, we persuaded them to join us in the dance. Michelle readily agreed and Obama obliged us a minute later,” a student said. “They picked up the steps quickly and started swaying to the music. His wife is a better dancer. But we enjoyed dancing with him too. He seemed to live the moment. Dancing with the US president was like a dream come true.”
The event was to start at 9.05am and last 30 minutes, but was delayed by about half an hour as the president’s convoy reached around 9.30am.
Father Michael Pinto, the principal of the school, said: “He was very humble and signed autographs for all students. He shook hands with the parents, and had a short conversation with them. He even complimented me for organising the event.”
Seher Pathan, the counsellor at the school, said: “We finalised on the koli dance as it is Maharashtra’s folk dance. And it became a hit with Obama. We are happy he liked it.”
Obama, walked up to the youngest participant in the group, Pranali Sawant, a student from the primary section, and wished her good luck.
“He then called Michelle and mentioned that Pranali looks exactly like their younger daughter Sasha,” said Florin Martis, a teacher, who was excited at being able to put her arm around the US president’s waist and get a picture clicked.
The Obamas won over the students and the teachers with their friendly and warm behaviour. Michael Syiemong, a class X student, got Michelle’s autograph on the sleeves of his shirt, which he will never wash.
“I will retain this forever,” he said. “One doesn’t get to meet the US president and first lady everyday.”
Pinto said: “Obama was to spend only 10 minutes at the science exhibition we put up, but he was there for more than 15 minutes. Obama liked our concept of rain water harvesting in a project on eco-friendly village.”
Juzer Furniturewala, one of six students who prepared the science projects, said: “He asked us if we were interested in pursuing environment science in the future, and most of us said yes. We also told him we would create environmental awareness among people by conducting rallies and planting saplings.”
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