Michelle’s ‘dream big’ mantra stirs Young India

MUMBAI/NEW DELHI - US First Lady Michelle Obama seems to have struck the right note with India’s young generation with her inspiring words during her address to college students in Mumbai Sunday morning.

The youth voiced varied reactions to the First Lady’s enthusiasm-filled address at the St. Xavier’s college Sunday.

“From the very start of the speech, her words infused a sense of enthusiasm in the students. She spoke about issues that we youngsters identify with, and expect our leaders to take into account,” Prachi Malhotra, a student of advertising and communication at St. Xavier’s college, told IANS.

“Hearing about down-to-earth values and big dreams from such an influential woman is actually inspiring,” Malhotra added.

Michelle Obama shared her humble beginnings, the “strong values” her parents gave her, and asked Indian youth to dream “gigantic” dreams.

Youths were also happy to hear words of praise for the public sector from US President Barack Obama.

“In the presence of red tapism and bureaucracy in our country, the US president focused on change in the ideology. His visit is an indication of the positive change amongst the generation of today,” 23-year-old Piyush Bhatnagar, a freelancer and a student of HR College in Mumbai, said commenting on Obama hoping more Indian youngsters go for public services.

Not just in Mumbai, students at Delhi University also felt enthused by the address of the US president and his wife to the youngsters of the country.

“Obama’s exceptional oratory skills help us connect with him better and make us want to sit up and listen,” said Sukriti Gupta, 20, a student of Delhi University.

“His encouragement, I feel, will act as a booster to young India’s ambitions,” added Gupta.

However, a section of the gen-now feel the picture is just a smoke-screen.

“The words are diplomatically correct and carefully chosen. They seem optimistic. But, as soon as Obama leaves and the media hoopla dies down, it’s gonna be business as usual,” said Moonmoon Ghosh, 23, a media professional in the capital.