Obama connects with students, leaves them charmed

"He is the most powerful man in the world. Still he is able to connect with us, the youth." A visibly impressed student said after the event where US President Barack Obama interacted with them.

Obama, accompanied by his wife Michelle, today asked questions to students before taking some tough ones from them during an hour's interaction at St Xavier's College here.

"The way he himself interacted with us, I am impressed," Krishma Shelar, a BA Second Year student of St Xavier's college, said.

Indian politicians need to learn a lesson or two from the US President on how to connect with the youth, Khusboo and Rachna, students of H R College, said.

Obama, who was wearing a white shirt and dark trousers, ensured an informal atmosphere.

He spoke after his wife had advised the students to ask some "tough" question and keep him on his toes.

"I don't like speaking after Michelle (but if) you want to ask some easy questions that's fine... I want to have a dialogue with you."

The US President encouraged the youngsters with compliments like "good question", "terrific questions".

When a student asked about Pakistan and why not declare it a terrorist country, Obama said: "I was expecting it (the question)."

Greeted with cheers, he also did not disappoint the students, who wanted to shake hands with him. Before leaving the students, he mingled with them obliging requests to take photographs with him. Obama connects with students, leaves them charmed

Despite the heat and humidity of Mumbai, Obama braved the open sun during his nearly hour-long interaction with the students.

"I liked the way he handled questions," said Varsha Srinivasan, a second year B Sc student of St Xavier's College.

"He talks in a way youngsters understand," Varsha said, adding that she was thrilled to listen to the US President.

Shruti Patel, a second year B Sc student of the same college, said "I got everything from him. I expected him to speak on Pakistan and he did that. He spoke on topics relevant to the youth. The way he handled questions on dicey topics was something to admire."