Obama presents King memorabilia to Rajghat

NEW DELHI: It was a rare gift from the US President Barack Obama to the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi -- a stone used to built a memorial of civil rights icon Martin Luther King who was inspired by the Father of the Nation.

Obama handed over the memorabilia to Rajnish Kumar, Secretary of Rajghat Samadhi Committee, when he along with First Lady Michelle visited Gandhi's memorial on the banks of the Yamuna today.

The US first couple bowed their heads, stood in silence for a minute, placed a wreath and showered flower petals. "Simple and very beautiful," said Obama, who always acknowledged Mahatma's influence on him, as Michelle nodded, "very beautiful."

"We will always remember the great soul who changed the world with his message of peace, tolerance, of love. More than 60 years of his passing (away), his light continues to inspire the world," Obama wrote in the visitor's book.

The visiting dignitaries took off their shoes before entering the memorial. They were received by Kumar, who presented them a 'charkha', a Gandhi bust and a scroll which describes seven sins.