Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh hosted a grand dinner for US President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama at his Race Course Road residence on the 7th of November 2010. Around 80 ‘eminent’ personalities attended this dinner.
The invitees included several political leaders, business leaders, one sportsman-Vishwanathan Anand and Bollywood celebrities the likes of Javed Akhtar, Shabana Azmi, AR Rahman and Aamir Khan.
This was such a wonderful platform for our Prime Minister to showcase via the guest list an eclectic mix of individuals that have done the Nation proud and allow for the World and the US President to meet with these individuals. It is interesting to note that Amitabh Bachchan and Lata Mangeshkar were not invited to the dinner, even though they enjoy legendary stature in India not to forget Ashutosh Govarikar who directed Lagaan that made it to the Oscars as an entry in the category of the best non-English language film in 2002. How come such a faux pas?
The only sportsman at the dinner was Vishwanathan Anand and whilst I have immense respect for him and his achievements I do believe a couple of more sporting greats could have been invited who have done this Nation proud.
It is at times like this that I believe we showcase what we are ‘proud’ of. The guest list for such an event is testament of people we want someone like the US President and his entourage to meet because these people’s achievements and what they stand for is what makes India the unique Nation it is. It is a list of individuals that is emblematic of who we as a Nation are proud of and who we aren’t….In hindsight, I believe this dinner could have been constructed beautifully with an eclectic guest list that traversed various fields from the Arts, Science, Sports etc. to add vibrancy and pride to a magical night that created not just a platform for the US President to meet these esteemed individuals but to have a room filled with the future of our Nation and the forum to interact with one another and share values, aspirations and vision for India.
I figure that once again petty politics and past grudges coupled with political agendas got in the way of this unique evening and members in power who ‘rule’ this nation succeeded in having their way and poking fun at the expense of India. Sadly, they must live with their own conscience if they do have one and one day life shall come full-circle for them.
