Braving Delhi’s famous chill, US President Barack Obama and First lady Michelle Obama enjoyed the warmth and hospitality of President Pranab Mukherjee’s “At-Home” reception at the Rashtrapati Bhavan on Monday. Over 2,000 people gathered at the lawns of Rashtrapati Bhavan. As President Pranab Mukherjee arrived at the sprawling lawns and shook hands with the US President, lensmen started shouting “once more” for a better shot.
Mukherjee, Obama and Prime Minister Narendra Modi — who was clad in a red coloured jacket with a cream coloured shawl — went around meeting other VVIPs. The Obamas were the centre of attention as they waved, smiled and shook hands as President Mukherjee introduced them to other guests. Politicians, diplomats, journalists, bureaucrats were among the invitees.
While Mukherjee and Modi were meeting people, Vice-President Hamid Ansari and his wife Salma gave company to the Obamas. President Obama also chatted briefly with the three chiefs of the Indian forces and was seen talking to 95-year-old retired Air Chief Marshal Arjan Singh for some time. later, Obama and Modi sat next to each other along with the Cabinet colleagues of Modi, senior BJP leader lK Advani and party president Amit Shah.
On the platter were Chicken Malai Tikka, Cheese cucumber sandwiches, Aloo-matar ke samose, Paneer wrap, Anar bhog and fruit slices, juices, tea, and coffee. Before leaving the venue, President Mukherjee and Barack Obama had a short conversation during which Mukherjee said that he was “very happy to receive him in India”.
In response, Obama thanked him and said: “It’s wonderful to have such an experienced person as the President of India.” This was President Obama’s third visit to the Rashtrapati Bhavan since he landed in the national Capital on Sunday morning. The Obamas had attended a banquet hosted by President Mukherjee at the Rashtrapati Bhawan on Sunday night. Obama was also given a ceremonial welcome in the forecourt of the palace a few hours after he arrived on Sunday on a three-day visit.