'The Change We Need'

As widely anticipated Barak Obama was elected President of the United States creating history as the first black incumbent of the White House. Global television carried the tumultuous scenes of the victory celebrations with thousands even gathering

opposite the White House - perhaps a symbolic statement denoting the emancipation of the black minority from the days of slavery.

The occasion took on a surreal quality no doubt with millions glued to their TVs watching the unfolding scenario with a sense of wonder and disbelief. Not many moons ago conceiving a black as the President of the world's sole superpower where white supremacy reigned would have been unthinkable.

There was evidence of pent up emotions of a long suppressed race manifesting itself at yesterday's celebrations. There were emotional scenes among the blacks who formed a sizeable part of the multitudes that gathered at the Chicago stadium as Obama emerged to make his victory address.

Prominent among them was Rev. Jesse Jackson himself a one time Presidential aspirant who was seen with tears rolling down his cheeks. It was certainly a poignant moment perhaps bringing back memories of the discrimination and bigotry against the black community.

Obama's victory has restored dignity to his people and given them hope. His position now as the most powerful man on Earth has also erased the stigma of being black that had weighed down the community in the past, giving them hope and opportunity.

Yesterday's victory is certainly a defining moment for America which has at last come to terms with its past. It is symbolic of a reconciliation which is bound to prove catalytic, inspiring a reappraisal of values and systems across the board.

The momentous occasion will go down as a crossroads in world history. More than any thing else it represented a tale of grit and determination against tremendous odds in a society known for its entrenched prejudices.

Defeated candidate John McCain in his concession speech too alluded to this discrimination and commiserated with the black community. Historians will record the election of Barak Obama as the 44th President of the America as a unique event , one that unified all mankind in a single bond transcending race, colour and other differences.

Like we commented the other day in these columns the election of the first black as a leader of the most powerful state on Earth is bound to precipitate revolutionary change in world outlook and many spheres.

It has given hope to the discriminated the marginalised. Obama may prove to be the single thread that will be woven into the unifying fabric of a new world order bonded by a single message of unity.

It is certainly a tribute to the American people who had decided to wipe the slate of the past and give the lead in the creation of world sans race and class prejudices in the current globalised set up. The American voters had certainly opted for change and a change that represented a complete repudiation of all that had blighted that nation's landscape.

The victory is also a tribute and a vindication of the struggles of civil rights leaders like Martin Luther King jr. America has come a long way from those infamous days. This victory is a momentous occasion that re-wrote the pages of American history. It can certainly be termed as a coming of age of the American nation which was known to preach to the outside world on the tenets of democracy and equal rights but breached these very principles against a section of its own community.

For the millions the world over who watched the unfolding of history in the USA it would no doubt have been a moment of truth. It is interesting to see how the new President would front up to the multitude of challenges that has beset his nation in recent times. He would have to find quick solutions to America's economic collapse, the shut down of industries, unemployment etc. The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan too await his urgent attention.

He would be pressed to meet the high expectations of the electorate and repay the unprecedented trust and confidence reposed in him by the American people. He would need to deliver on the many pledges and as a leader wanting in experience his skills and leadership qualities will no doubt be put to the test.

The President elect in his victory speech acknowledging the task ahead had vowed to follow a consensus approach to resolve issues. He has also called for the spirit of sacrifice from the American people. The world will watch how he would implement the 'change' that was the platform of his campaign.