Obama's K'taka Connection: Siddis celebrate Prez's victory

Bangalore, Jan 21:

President

must make it a point to meet Siddi community in

. The Siddis of Karnataka have openly celebrated his victory every time he has won the presidential election in US. Obama and Siddis of Karnataka belong to the same

lineage.

On Sunday, Jan 20, miles apart from US, Siddis of Haliyal taluk in Karnataka's Uttara Kannada district celebrated the re-election and swearing-in of Obama as US President for the second term. Members of Siddi community said that they celebrated as they were jubilant that a person sharing same ancestral lineage as them is holding the top position in the world.

The celebration at Golehalli village in Haliyal taluk saw a large gathering. Along with the community members, several politicians of Karnataka took part in the celebration.

During the celebration, Siddis took out a procession. Jubilant men and women performed the traditional Phugadi dance. A huge cake was cut to mark the day.

Diyog Siddi, who organised the function, said Barack Obama symbolised the pride of the African-American community.

The Siddis of Karnataka are said be to a tribe of African descent. They have made Karnataka their home for the last 400 years.

Barack Obama was sworn in for a second time as the US President in a private ceremony at the White House on Sunday, Jan 20, reserved for oath-taking by the nation's head of the state. He was sworn in to "protect and defend" the US Constitution, officially accepting to carry out the duties of the President.

Obama will repeat the oath in front of thousands on Monday, Jan 21. The day will see gala ceremonies to mark the beginning of Obama's second term as the US President. The man, who rose to the pinnacle of power from a modest background, will be facing stiffer challenges during his second stint, both at home and abroad.

OneIndia News