Fanfare, confetti and champagne

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OBAMA 1 ( OBAMA OBAMA TUNE KAR DIYA DUNIYA MEN HANGAMA

OBAMA 2 ( YES WE CAN)

SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE

Two huge celebrations have the world jubilating like never before.

The reason is the same.

The success of the Slumdog Millionaire in the Mecca of moviedom and Barack Obama’s historic entry into the White House have a comon thread. It is about the victory of the children of the lesser gods.

If you saw the throngs of black men and women with their families waiting to welcome in their beloved President on the eve of his swearin-in ceremony or the tearful celebrations that continued thereafter – the black celebrity circle encircling the President and the First lady and jubilating this historic moment, you would know what I mean.

Some of these faces were never seen before. They were in the shadows who suddenly came alive. It is moment of rebirth in some ways – a trimphant instant of claiming existence after living in anonymity for so long.

So with the movie Slumdog. Even if a certain section of the Indians are anxious about it peddling poverty or exposing the ugly underbelly of Mumbai, it is not really the humiliating conditions that are selling or being lapped up. It is the great human story of struggle amidst difficulties galore that has touched a million chords.

Suddenly there is hope for one and all. It is a great feeling and a great moment indeed.

Meanwhile this letter by Michelle Obama, written exclusively for USA Weekend, is a warm, heart rending tribute to the men who fight for their country and their families who wait for them with silent patience - Yet again some of those who remain incognito in the daily sacrifices they make. I loved the letter and I am sharing it with you.

Bursting with pride by Michelle Obama