Dreams come true....

Not so long years ago, words echoed "I have a dream that the four children of mine will some day live in a country where they are judged not by the color of their skin but by the content of their character". That was Rev Martin Luther King Jr. expressing his idea of a dream, few would have called probable at that time. But, how swiftly have things changed and what a change this has been. As the entire world saw an African American take charge of the most powerful nation of the world, history was written and a memorable one. Move the clock two years and back and this all seems so impossible. No one would have ever imagined that a rookie senator from Illinois will turn the tables on the face of the stalwarts in the US elections and would script a story never heard of in the annals of history. Barrack Hussain Obama has just done that. While I write this article, the world wide web is being flooded by Obama's swearing in ceremony videos. The ceremony has already become the most watched show in the history of television. But, the story does not end with the razzmatazz. It signifies a greater end, a broader perspective and richer thought process. Obama's triumph is not just that of a race or a man, it is the triumph of belief over despair, of merit over dogma and of endurance over hate and humiliation. There used to be times when the blacks did not get to vote and now they have come this far that a member of their community holds the top most job in the land. It heralds the unfolding of a saga where meritocracy is the order of the day. It is the reaffirmation of the values of equality of opportunity and well being. Obama's term irrespective of how it turns out to be will certainly be unique, for his feat is nothing short of monumental.

Mr. Obama is taking up the office in the most trying of times. America has two unfinished wars to deal with and with the economic slump taking its toll, souls will be difficult to pacify. The economic crisis has left the Americans heart broken. It has shook their confidence more than their markets. The Americans for the first time are feeling down and out. The whole country is in grips of frustration and the coming months promise to be no better. China and Russia are both lurking up to the heels of the Americans and the once undisputed American dominance is now being questioned seriously. Obama has the task set in front of him. He has to withdraw troops from Iraq and Afghanistan, he has to be extra sensitive with central Asia, he has to build up a sagging economy and a frustrated nation and he has to face the ugly force of terrorism. Certainly this is an uphill task, but Mr. Obama will have to face it and mind you if he is able to pull this out he will not only establish his reputation but will also lay the foundation for more such changes in the entire world. After all the Europeans are yet to witness a change of this magnitude. But, as of now let us just be happy for Mr. Obama. Hope his tenure is like one of those beautiful dreams that last forever and end only to become reality.