Dr Sampat and his wife Dr Udaya Shivangi of Jackson, MS were invitees of President George Bush and First Lady Laura Bush for the 2007 Holiday (Christmas Party) party at the White House on Dec 7.
Dr Shivangi describes his experience thus: "As the Christmas lights were illuminated by President Bush on the White House lawns, the invitees had a rare treat of being individually greeted by President and Mrs Bush, even as Captain of the Navy attache to the White House announced the names of the guests individually to meet and greet the President and First Lady.
The party lasted for almost three hours and invitees came from all over the nation. It is a rare treat to be at the White House with the President and First Lady for Christmas party with wonderful decorations in the historical White House. Washington was clad in snow that day giving an added beauty, glow and festivity to this occasion."
Dr and Mrs Shivangi are regular invitees to the White House events. As a White House appointee as an advisor to Secretary of US Health and Human Services, Dr Shivangi says he took the opportunity to thank the President personally for his whole-hearted support on US-India Civil Nuclear treaty (even though it has run into a tough situation with Indian Policy makers).
"I requested the President not to get disheartened with the opposition to the treaty in some quarters in India," says Dr Shivangi. "And the President expressed his optimism that the treaty will be approved eventually."
While wishing the President and the First Lady Happy Holidays on behalf of the Indian American community, Dr Shivangi and his wife did not forget to congratulate the First couple on the engagement of their daughter Jenna.
Print
Tell friend
Top
