Obama's first State Dinner showcases 'who's who' of India, US

Betwa Sharma
Washington, Nov 25 (PTI) Oscar-winning performers, a
grand decor, the mostly green menu and a guest list boasting
Hollywood A-listers and elite political and business figures
from both India and the US -- the first State Dinner of
President Barack Obama had it all.
And if that's not enough, the star-studded 'black tie'
event attended by 338 invitees also witnessed a minor wardrobe
malfunction.
Prime Minister of India Manmohan Singh, the first State
Guest of the Obama Administration, and his wife Gursharan Kaur
were received by the US First Couple on the red carpet at the
North Portico of the White House.
First lady Michelle Obama looked stunning in a sleeveless
golden-silver dress by India-born designer Naeem Khan and
walked the state guests to a large heated tent in the South
Lawn, especially constructed for the occasion and decorated
with glittering candles, white flowers and chandeliers made of
green leaves.
Weeks of speculation about invitees also came to an end
as the guests finally stepped on to the red carpet.
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Defence Secretary
Robert Gates, House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi,
Senator John Kerry, former Secretary of State Colin Powell and
New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg were among those spotted at
the event.
Top Hollywood director Steven Spielberg was also invited
to the event, which witnessed performances by Oscar winners
Indian music maestro A R Rahman and American singer-actress
Jennifer Hudson, apart from jazz vocalist Kurt Elling and the
National Symphony Orchestra.
He is (Rahman) also an Oscar winner and he helped create
some of the music for the film 'Slumdog Millionaire',"
Michelle told the gathering. "I don't know if you guys got to
see that movie -- incredible movie."
Many political figures, academics, medical professionals,
prominent Indian-Americans and business people, including
Ratan Tata, Amartya Sen, Mukesh Ambani, Deepak Chopra, Sanjay
Gupta, Jhumpa Lahiri, Sam Pitroda, Indra Nyooi, Bobby Jindal
and Fareed Zakaria, were also present at the banquet.
In a case of wardrobe malfunctioning, Pennsylvania
Senator Bob Casey's cummerbund dropped to the floor just as he
and his wife posed before photographers and reporters, AP
said.
One of the "finest chefs" in the country, Marcus
Samuellson, was invited to prepare the four-course dinner --
which was heavily dominated by vegetables and herbs from
Michelle's kitchen garden served on 'Bush' cutlery- introduced
by former First Lady Laura Bush.
"We feel privileged to be invited to the first State
banquet under your presidency. You do us, and India, great
honour by this gesture," Prime Minister Singh told Obama
reciprocating to his warm welcome.
The decor reflected the Obamas' dedication to green and
sustainable elements and featured a garden theme.
Through the tent, guests had views of the South Lawn
Fountain, the Washington Monument and the Jefferson Monument.
The tables were set with china from the White House's
historic collection, including 'Service Plates – Eisenhower'
which were acquired in 1955.
President Dwight Eisenhower was the first American
President to visit India after its independence.
Similarly there were 'Service Plates - Clinton State
China Service' and 'Dinner Plates - George W Bush State China
Service'.
Singh had the distinction of being invited to State
Dinners twice -- the first one during the previous Bush
regime.
The first State Dinner for a foreign head of State was
held by President Ulysses S. Grant on December 12, 1874 for
King David Kalakaua of Hawaii.
Since then, many traditions have been added to State and
Official Visits – yet the common theme of forging friendships,
exchanging knowledge and building bridges remain unchanged, a
White House fact sheet said.
Previous State Dinners at the White House in honour of
India include those hosted by President George W Bush in 2005;
Bill Clinton in 2000, Ronald Reagan in 1985 and 1982; Lyndon B
Johnson in 1966; and John Kennedy in 1963. PTI LKJ
RDM