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The three-day India visit of US President Barack Obama saw the ceremonial Guard of Honour being led by a woman officer for the first time.
Obama inspected the Guard of Honour, commanded by Wing Commander Pooja Thakur during the ceremonial welcome at the Rashtrapati Bhawan on Sunday afternoon. Thakur created a buzz and was trending on Twitter on Sunday.
The 36-year-old has been working with the Indian Air Force for the past 14 years. She told BusinessLine : “It was a big moment and proud moment to get the opportunity to command the Inter-Services Guard of Honour that too for the US President, Barack Obama.”
On being the first woman to achieve this feat, Thakur said: “When we are being trained, it’s not about being a male or a female.” She added if this inspires young girls and women, she will be very happy. Obama is the first American President to be the Chief Guest at India’s Republic Day Parade, and also the first US President to have visited India twice during his tenure.
First Lady’s dressMeanwhile, the Indian public got a brief glimpse of Michelle Obama as she landed wearing a dress by Indian-born designer Bibhu Mohapatra.
The New York-based designer tweeted confirming that the First Lady’s poppy-print dress and coat were part of his Spring 2015 collection.
This isn’t the first time she has worn a dress by Mohapatra, who is originally from Odisha. She had worn dresses by Indian-origin designers in the past such as Naeem Khan and Rachel Roy.
The big banquetWhile President Obama’s meetings through the day with PM Modi were marked with warmth, hugs, long handshakes and Chai Par Charcha , some more true-blue Indian hospitality awaited the couple at the Rashtrapati Bhawan banquet on Sunday evening.
The First Lady, a known advocate of healthy eating, is in for a dinner menu featuring traditional dishes.
Galauti Kebab, Soufiyan fish tikka, mustard fish curry, chicken malai tikka , stir fried broccoli, paneer malai tikka , vegetable kebabs, Gustaba mutton rogan josh, chicken korma, vegetable hakka, kadhi pakora , along with assorted Indian breads and malpua and rabdi in dessert, will be served at the banquet.
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