Barack Hussein Obama, Jr. (bəˈɹɑːk huˈseɪn oʊˈbɑːmə; born August 4 1961) is the junior United States Senator from Illinois and a candidate for the Democratic nomination in the 2008 U.S. presidential election.
Born to a Kenyan father and an American mother, he spent most of his early life in Honolulu, Hawaii. From ages six to ten, he lived in Jakarta, Indonesia with his mother and Indonesian stepfather. A graduate of Columbia University and Harvard Law School, Obama worked as a community organizer, university lecturer, and civil rights lawyer before running for public office and serving in the Illinois Senate from 1997 to 2004. After an unsuccessful bid for a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives in 2000, he announced his campaign for U.S. Senate in 2003.
The following year, while still an Illinois state legislator, Obama delivered the keynote address at the 2004 Democratic National Convention. He was elected to the U.S. Senate in November 2004 with 70% of the vote. As a member of the Democratic minority in the 109th Congress, he co-sponsored bipartisan legislation for controlling conventional weapons and for promoting greater public accountability in the use of federal funds. He also made official trips to Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. In the current 110th Congress, he has sponsored legislation on lobbying and electoral fraud, climate change, nuclear terrorism, and care for returned U.S. military personnel.
Since announcing his presidential campaign in February 2007, Obama has emphasized ending the Iraq War, increasing energy independence, and providing universal health care as his top three priorities. He married in 1992 and has two daughters. He has written two bestselling books: a memoir of his youth titled Dreams from My Father, and The Audacity of Hope, a personal commentary on U.S. politics.
In the last decade, South Asian Americans -- particularly those who are Muslim, Hindu, or Sikh -- have too often faced senseless violence and suspicion only due to the colour of their skin or the tenets of their faith.In Obama acknowledges rising hate crimes against Hindus, Sikhs
Guided by a commitment to lifting up the lives of others, organisations like Hindu American Seva Charities (HASC) demonstrate the compassion of the American people and reflect our capacity to unite and address the challenges facing our world.In Obama applauds Hindu American group for its community service
Diwali is a time for celebration, but it is also a time for reflection—a time when we must remember that there are always others less fortunate then ourselves. This holiday reminds us all that we should commit ourselves to helping those in need.In Hindu, Jain, Sikh: Celebrate light, it's Diwali!
I believe that there are opportunities, maybe not starting with Kashmir but starting with other issues, that Pakistan and India can be in a dialogue together and over time try to reduce tensions and find areas of common interest.In Don't resume talks with Pakistan: Kashmiri Pandits
One of the great strengths of the United States is...we do not consider ourselves a Christian nation or a Jewish nation or a Muslim nation; we consider ourselves a nation of citizens who are bound by ideals and a set of values.In Obama's Faith-Based Office Gets Down to Work
The fact is, the challenges we face today -- from saving our planet to ending poverty -- are simply too big for government to solve alone. We need all hands on deck.In Obama Names 26-Year-Old Director of Faith-Based Office
I think it is important for us to do that not only because that is who we are, but also ultimately it will make us safer and will help in changing hearts and minds in our struggle against extremists.In Religious Groups Seek Swift Ban From Obama on Torture
In the coming days, Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and their friends of all faiths will gather across America and around the world to celebrate the festival of lights. Much has happened in the world since the last Diwali, and this is a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the year past and rededicate ourselves to spreading peace and tolerance in the coming year.In Diwali holds special meaning for me: Obama
United Hindu Front endorses Barack Obama for the President of US.In Hindu group in US endorses Barack Obama
We will carry banners requesting President Barack Obama to declare Pakistan a terrorist state, stop Iran from making nuclear weapons and stop Saudi Arabia from funding terrorism.In Hindu groups to hold demonstration on inauguration
We will carry banners urging/requesting President Barack Obama to declare Pakistan a terrorist state; stop Iran from making nuclear weapons; stop Saudi Arabia from funding terrorism; stop Pakistan's double game with USA; seize Saudi Arabian assets for crimes against humanity; stop repeat of Mumbai terror attack anywhere in the world; and that nuclear Pakistan is a threat to the whole world.Narain Kataria in Hindu groups to stage protest at Obama's inauguration
