The swearing in of Barack Obama as the 44th President of the USA on January 20 marked the beginning of another chapter in US history. This is characterized by great expectations not only in his country but the world over. It is for nothing that his election had been so closely watched. The biggest and most impressive highlight has been the election of an African-American to the highest office of the country. His ascendancy from almost obscurity some six years back to a person at the helm of affairs of the most powerful country gives reason to see substance in the man. It is sheer expectation from President Obama’s thrusts in the coming days that have riveted global attention on him. And, his inaugural address has given reasons that the flight of imagination is not what he aims at but is pragmatic in his approach, though the conservative hue is evident. Yet, the shine comes from his emphasis on “hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord”. That strikes the right chord not only in his country rattled by the weak economy and the trauma of the “unfinished” wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, but also the world over as the US had led the show for so long, now a declining force.

There are moments in the history of every country when there are downswings that cannot be corrected by sticking to one’s guns. It has changed now for America as President Obama has not minced words in presenting the case of his country, the glaring facts have been put forward and the support of all Americans irrespective of race, colour, sex, belief, religious or political, is evident at this point of time. The inauguration has seen an overwhelming response from every section of the American society. This kind of unity of purpose is not, unfortunately, seen here in Nepal when Nepal faces daunting problems. The mere fact that more than a million Americans lined up along the route to the Capitol Building suggests the hope that he radiates in the gloomy environment that prevails. What endears him to the general people is his “radical in substance” approach keeping in mind that the past glory has to return but in a new light, a total departure to raise confidence among others in the world.

In the hard times that USA is going through, President Obama is a morale booster even before he has started work, the coming days will be witness to how the road will be traversed. At such a time the usual approach has to be “hard work and honesty, courage and fair play, tolerance and curiosity, loyalty and patriotism — the old values for success” which fits into the work plan of any country. The victory of President Obama and the confidence that he has instilled can be a page to mull over. It is not being a follower but his approach merits attention. Nepal too had its Constituent Assembly election in the fairest of manner possible, but following it the squabbles among the political parties instead of backing the winner set the scene. Hope prevails in the Nepali context too. If only the leaders and the people thought of the country and made fitting contributions, the country would well be on its way to prosperity. If Obama broke the barrier in the enthralling finish, a lesson has come through.