‘Like a queen’: In India, Ivanka embodies American glamour
hyderabad — Ivanka Trump came to India to talk about empowering female entrepreneurs. But for many in Hyderabad, a centuries-old southern city that has emerged as a technology hub, her trip has been a chance to savor the glamour of the American president’s family.
On Wednesday, locals strained behind security barricades near a medieval fort hoping for a glimpse of their VIP visitor.
Irfana Begum, who was dodging barricades trying to figure out what road home was open for traffic, said she was very glad that Ivanka chose to visit, despite the inconvenience of getting about the city. “She’s so confident and beautiful. Her father is the president. She’s like a queen,” Begum said.
Ivanka arrived in Hyderabad on Tuesday to lead a US delegation of 350 at the Global Entrepreneurship Summit being held in the city. The three-day summit was jointly co-hosted by the US and India this year. She was joined at the opening by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who later hosted her for dinner at a luxury hotel.
Hyderabad was given a makeover ahead of her visit. Potholes were filled, traffic overpasses painted and the homeless made to vanish, at least temporarily.
The city rounded up hundreds of beggars, taking them to male and female shelters, and authorities also began strictly enforcing a begging ban on the city’s streets and in other public places.
In her speech to open the conference, which was broadcast live throughout India by major news channels, Ivanka spoke of the hurdles faced by women in business.
India has a low rate of women participating in the workforce. A recent World Bank report ranked India 120th among 131 countries with available data.
But for many in Hyderabad it was more about Ivanka than the issues. “I don’t know much about her, but I know she’s an important person,” said Kashif, who gave only one name. “It’s a very good thing that she’s come to our city and to this place. It’s a proud moment.”
After participating in a panel discussion on Wednesday, Ivanka visited the Golconda Fort ahead of her scheduled departure. —
Five-course menu at Falaknuma dinner
HYDERABAD — and were some of the delicacies of five-course menu served at Tuesday’s dinner hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for Ivanka Trump and other GES delegates at the Taj Falaknuma. The Palace’s team of culinary experts, led by Executive Chef Sajesh Nair, presented a five-course menu inspired by Hyderabadi, Telangana and Nizami cuisine. Aghaz (soup), Mezban (appetizers), Waqfa (sorbet), Mashgool Dastarkhwan (main course) and Zauq-eshahi (dessert) were the courses served. —