Barack Obama’s weekend schedule in Mumbai

MUMBAI - The final itinerary of US President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama during their two-day visit to Mumbai, according to police here, is as follows:

Saturday, Nov 6:

* President Barack Obama arrives at Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport in Air Force One shortly after noon Saturday. Will be received by Maharashtra Chief Minister Ashok Chavan, Protocol Minister Suresh Shetty and Union Corporate and Minority Affairs Minister Salman Khursheed, who is minister-in-waiting for the visiting dignitary.

* President Obama flies in Marine One to INS Shikra, the Indian Navys helibase at the Western Naval Command, Colaba.

* Zooms off in the presidential limousine from Colaba to Hotel Taj Mahal Palace & Tower, barely a km away.

* At the hotel, he signs the Visitor’s Book, meets and interacts with some witnesses and survivors of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks.

* He also makes a statement on terrorism.

* Later, he drives down to Mani Bhavan, around five km away, to view the Gandhi Museum, goes around the building in the quiet bylanes of Gamdevi. He and Michelle will be presented a copy of the autobiography of Mahatma Gandhi on the occasion.

* From Mani Bhavan, Obama goes to Hotel Oberoi-Trident, Nariman Point, while First Lady Michelle goes to the University of Mumbai in Fort, barely a kilometre away from each other.

* In Hotel Oberoi-Trident, Obama meets American and Indian entrepreneurs and CEOs at a function organised jointly by the Indo-US Business Council (USIBC), Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry. He may speak on BPO jobs and increased business opportunities between the US and India.

* He returns to the Taj and retires overnight in one of the suites on the sixth floor of the hotel.

Sunday, Nov 7:

* President Barack Obama visits the Holy Name School, Colaba. Meets students, celebrates Diwali. He may light a candle, and view a dance programme by students.

* Soon thereafter, he goes to St. Xavier’s College, Dhobi Talao, interacts with select students from six city colleges, may touch on environment and related issues.

* Visits an exhibition on agriculture in the college premises and also meets some agriculturists.

The couple departs for New Delhi late Sunday afternoon.