TRYST WITH DESTINY

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Americans were wrestling late into the night, some just holding each other, some partying, some dancing, some popping champagnes and some just savouring the moment.

Tears flowed, they were tears of happiness, of joy, of history made, of change and hope.

Its hard to be in America and not feel a part of this history

At the Democratic party HQs in Cleveland, Ohio, many of us witnessed America's tryst with destiny.

There was joy at not just Obama's historic achievement, but many finally found their grand parents and great grand parents words come true

'You can be anything, you want to be."

For a country that has had uneasy racial relations, this was a moment of special pride, this was a night to redicover America

As the last racial barrier was swept, emotions reached a crescendo. Years of self doubt gave way to pride and empowerment,

A young democrat told me, "We always had it in us, now we need to work much harder, there are simply no excuses."

Obama's successful campaign has resonated across the country, specially among the young, who have for long lived in apathy at the political process and believed they had little stake or influence on who occupied White House. At the Shaw High School, in East Cleveland, one realises the true significance of this moment.

Lessons in Democracy are taught early on here and the first one, "Democracy is not a spectator sport."

Erica Walker, a young class representative who came up through student democracy, spoke for many when she said, "all elections she had witnessed in her teens were rainy, dark and cloudy days." Many of us in that classroom couldnt hide a smile when we looked out of the window

It was a bright, warm and sunny November day.

Elections sometimes reveal the character of a nation, and America believes after this long and difficult campaign they have shown ability, temperament and a state of mind.

A state of mind which indicates they are ready to embrace fellow Americans and ready to embrace change

It's been coming for a long time, and yes its finally here.

(Anubha Bhonsle is on the Jefferson Fellowship and is observing the US Presidential elections from Arizona, Pennsylavania, Ohio and Washington DC)