"We are strongest when we see the inherent dignity in every human being. Look at our countries, the incredible diversities even here in this hall. India is defined by countless languages and dialects and every colour and caste and creed, gender and orientations. Likewise in America we are black and white, latino, asian, Indian-American, Latino- American.
"Your constitution begins with the pledge to uphold the dignity of the individual and our declaration of Independence proclaims that all men are treated equal. In both of our countries, generations have worked to live up to these ideas," he said.
"So even as we live in a world of terrible inequality, we are also proud to live in countries where a grandson of a cook can become a President and even a tea seller can become Prime Minister, Obama said referring to himself and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
He said progress depends on something basic and that is how we see each other.
Remembering a famous speech given by Swami Vivekananda over 100 years ago in Chicago, Obama referred to" sisters and brothers of India" in his Town Hall address at at the Siri Fort here.
"My confidence in your nation is deep rooted in values that we share. We may have different history, speak different languages but when we see each other we see a reflection of ourselves," he said.
Citing similarity in the growth story of India and US, he said the two were among a few nations who have gone both to the moon and to the mars.
Obama also remembered inequality faced by him due to his skin tone.
"Even as America has blessed us with extraordinary opportunities there were moments in my life where I had been treated differently because of the colour of my skin.
"Many countries including the US grappled with questions of identity and inequality and how we treat each other. People who are different than us. How we deal with diversity belief and faith," he said asking people to value dreams and hopes of other people too.
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