Obama sought Indian votes through Hindi, Malayalam leaflets
06th November 2008
Barack Obama, who scripted history by becoming the first black President of America, had projected himself as a "powerful" spokesman for rights of minorities and a crusader against discrimination as he wooed the Indian- Americans in their vernacular languages, including Hindi.
The Obama campaign had brought out Hindi and Malayalam versions of his five-point manifesto, which were widely distributed among Indian-Americans through community organisations across the 50 states.
The leaflet has highlighted affordable healthcare as one of the top priorities of his Administration, pointing out that 24 lakh Asian-Americans in the country were not covered by medical insurance, a costly affair in the US.
"A common American family will be able to save at least USD 2,500 per annum according to Obama's plan," the one-page manifesto said.
It said that the 47-year-old Democrat started his career as a community organiser in Chicago and spent a considerable time working for wiping out all kinds of discrimination.
Obama, who began his political career as a member of the Illinois state Senate, was instrumental in adoption of a law against racial discrimination, it said.
"He will use his experience to protect the rights of the minorities," said the pamphlet, posted in the Afro-American's presidential campaign website.
Source: Press Trust of India