Books on Obama creating buzz in Delhi and Mumbai
(Agencies)
Updated: 2010-11-08 09:11
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Books on President Barack Obama and his posters bearing his image are selling fast in New Delhi and Mumbai, the two cities he is visiting on a trip to India.
"At least 500-600 customers have been trickling in at our store asking for books on Obama," the manager at a bookstore in Mumbai told Reuters by telephone.
"We have already sold a good number of books such as Bob Woodward's 'Obama's Wars' and 'Obama: The Historic Journey'."
Books on First Lady Michelle Obama are also proving popular.
"I have received calls from many customers seeking books on Michelle Obama and her love for health and art," Salim, a bookshop owner in Delhi, said.
"We have placed a request with the publisher for some 1,500 copies of 'Michelle: A Biography'. There was a similar interest in books Laura Bush and Hilary Clinton when their husbands visited India."
Posters of Obama, the first lady and their children are also attracting scores of people at shopping malls and flea markets in the capital.
Many shoppers who went to purchase their stock of crackers, gifts and items for weekend celebrations of the Hindu festival of Diwali returned home with a pack of Obama posters.
"This month has completely belonged to Barack Obama," said Manvi Sharma, a gift shop owner in Delhi.
Young Indians appeared particularly enthusiastic about the chance of catching a glimpse of the U.S. president.
"He is my idol. He speaks in a language and tone which connects so well with the youngsters. After all, he's the first black American President," said a student at St Stephen's College in the capital, who did not want to give her name.
"I along with my friends have started a special page on Facebook community dedicated to Obama visit to India."