I am not sure if yesterday was a culmination of a long-drawn campaign or indeed a beginning of something we are all eagerly looking forward to. Whatever it may, it was a day indeed!
Bone tired coupled with a severe jet-lag, the effort to be at the Mall was worth each ache and every chill that the body faced. To me, this day epitomized the unshaken spirit of common men and women (and children) who were braving the cold at the National Mall to witness an event filled with hope, renewal, belief and responsibility.
Waiting through the rush metros to get into the trains, the wait in-between metros, the walk to the Mall and over four more hours before the ceremony began - all to just hear one man talk to a sea of people!
One could see him in all - watches, hats, flags, pins, books, blankets and many more - truly amazing to see how much of a role model Barack Obama (or should I say, Mr. POTUS) has become to the world.
While I could barely see the ceremony, thanks to large screens around the Hill, the site was indescribable. With the start of the ceremony around 11.00 am, several dignitaries began to enter the steps of the Hill - Senators, Cabinet Members, Hollywood stars, former-future second and first members poured in too with roars of applaud for the first lady, future Secretary of State and Vice-President elect although many booed to the now-former President. All around, people were sharing blankets, warmers, greeting each other with humility and there was an overall feeling of excitement and pure joy - in Hindi I would use the phrase "Total Dhamaal".
Snipers were at their best, atop the Natural History Museum.
The day itself felt great. While the chill factor increased by the hour and there were times when several among the crowd wanted to get done with, there was a sudden uproar when Barack Obama made his presence at the Hill. Chants of "Yes We Can" and "GOBAMA" were heard in abounds at the time of swearing-in.
And then came his speech when a sudden surge of silence ran through the crowd. His words - "...stand here today humbled" - must have resonated among us all. His speech overall offered encouragement and a sense of optimism combined with immense responsibility, setting a precedent not only in the US but also globally.
While the task of returning home post the ceremony was daunting and thanks to Holiday Inn, 100s of us were kept warm, January 20, 2009 was not simply a day but an experience I do not want to forget.
