Mr Obama, do you have real business to talk with us?

Abstract

The focus of the US president’s visit may be on atmospherics rather than real content. We need to remember that the US needs us as much as we need them. The next two weeks will be full of atmospherics and inanities linked to the visit of US President Barack Obama. Indians are known to derive satisfaction from symbolism rather than substance. When Diwali was supposedly celebrated by George W Bush’s White House — a celebration in which the US president did not participate — we went into raptures. When Rajan Zed of Nevada was called to chant Vedic hymns at a congressional opening, we were ecstatic. Similarly, when Obama visits India next month, we will drool over Michelle buying Kanjeevaram sarees or Obama savouring a paratha at a Delhi dhaba — or some such meaningless events. There is a move to take Michelle to the red-light areas of Mumbai to get a feel of “inclusive” growth. Imagine Gursharan Kaur being paraded in Soho in London as part of her itinerary. Sikhs are pleading with Obama to visit the Golden Temple, even if he merely wears a baseball cap to cover his head. Read more at: https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/comment-mr-obama-do-you-have-real-business-to-talk-with-us-1457914