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Obamas
find Humayun's Tomb spectacular
Sunday November 07, 2010 07:35:09 PM,
IANS
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New Delhi:
The US first couple spent half an hour strolling around Humayun's
Tomb, admiring the grandeur of the 16th century World Heritage
site monument, which they described as 'spectacular' and the
Indian capital as a "modern place rooted in civilization".
Later, the Obamas, in a personal touch, interacted with the
children of labourers involved in the upkeep of the monument and
even gave them gifts.
Writing in the visitor's book, Barack and Michelle Obama said:
"Through the rise and fall of empires, Indian civilization has
endured and led the world to new heights of achievement. The world
owes a profound debt to India and its people."
An ASI official escorted the US first couple on a guided tour of
the monument.
Commenting to reporters on the workmanship of the structure, Obama
said: "It took seven years to build this (monument). If you try to
build something like this in seven years in the US, it will be
tough."
The Obamas had a 10 minute tete-a-tete with a group of 14 children
from a school run by the ASI.
"They said we should work hard and study more," said Vishal, the
eldest of the 14 children present at Humayun's Tomb during the
visit.
All the children were in their school uniform, grey shorts and
red-striped shirt. Vishal had a special gift for the Obamas - a
welcome message written by him on a slate: ‘Welcome to His
Excellency US President Barack Obama and his wife'.
Most of the other students were as young as 5.
A gift box containing a silver bookmark with a Presidential seal
and Barack Obama's signature engraved was presented to the 14
students by Michelle Obama at the end of their interview.
The Humayun's tomb is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is said to
be the structure on which the Taj Mahal in Agra was modelled. It
was built by Mughal emperor Humayun in memory of his wife.
The Obamas arrived at the site at 5 p.m., amid a swarm of US and
Indian security officials. They left after spending around half an
hour.
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