'Hindu' in Obama's statement draws praise

The containing of word 'Hindu' in Obama's inauguration speech, "We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus -- and non-believers," has apparently drawn appreciation from two of India's major political parties, the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

"It was heartening that for the first time in the speech of a US president the word Hindu figured. He said Christians, Jews, Hindus and Muslims are part of America. That is a pluralistic society and that's what India too is," Sudheendra Kulkarni, adviser to BJP's prime-ministerial candidate L.K. Advani, said Wednesday.

"He spoke with great credibility â€" and also of old values of honest work, compassion and patriotism. He sought people's cooperation over a long stretch, including his pitching for a second term. The work is long and could go into his next term; that's what he meant," he said.

Senior Congress leader M. Veerappa Moily told IANS: "I would call it an eventful speech. He means business and treats all countries equally."

"He will change the mindset of the US, not only about itself but also about the rest of the world," he said, adding, "We can sure expect winds of change under Obama's leadership."

A US based Hindu group also expressed hope in Obama's presidency.

"His words provide us with hope that the Hindu American voice will not only be heard but valued," Hindu American Foundation's Director of Development Sheetal Shah said.

In a letter to Obama and his transition team, Shah gave "concrete suggestions" to foster unity in diversity in the new era.