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Obama leaves India, quoting Gandhi, calling for religious freedom

The highlight of Obama’s 33-minute talk were the five minutes he spent on religious freedom. Quoting from the Indian constitution, Obama said, “Your Article 25 says that all people are ‘equally entitled to freedom of conscience and the right freely to profess, practice and propagate religion’. In both our countries, in all countries, upholding this fundamental freedom is the responsibility of government, but it’s also the responsibility of every person,” he added.

Obama spoke of the attack on a Sikh temple in Wisconsin, US, saying that this incident had seen both countries condemning violence and communal hatred. He also pointed out India’s diversity, and how the nation celebrated such stars as actor Shah Rukh Khan, boxer Mary Kom, and sprinter Milkha Singh, who are Muslim, Christian and Sikh respectively.

Obama also called for greater urgency on the climate change front. “I know the argument made by some, that it’s unfair for countries like the United States to ask developing nations and emerging economies like India to reduce your dependence on the same fossil fuels that helped power our growth for more than a century,” Obama said. “But here’s the truth: even if countries like the United States curb our emissions, if growing countries like India, with soaring energy needs, don’t also embrace cleaner fuels, then we don’t stand a chance against climate change,” he reminded everyone.

Obama and Modi seemed to have shared a strong rapport and bonhomie during the visit, perhaps paving the way for greater cooperation between the two countries. The Times of India notes that several Indian-origin Americans have come to the fore in business, politics and law during Obama’s tenure, prompting some to call him “Bharat Ombaba”, a reference to Bharat, India’s traditional name!

Obama, who was set to visit the Taj Mahal on Monday, cut short his trip to head to Saudi Arabia, after the death of King Abdullah.

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