NEW YORK: It was the most sought after party of the year held at the country’s First Address – the White House. And when the President of America hosts a state dinner and the First Lady comes under the spot to prove herself as the First hostess, one can be assured that no detail would be spared.

And so, at President Obama’s first state dinner in honor of Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, the candle lights, chandeliers, place settings, flowers, music and the thoughtful vegetarian menu aside, it must be given to the Obamas for their careful selection of their guest list, where they brought under the beautiful tent on the White House’s South Lawn a mix of political biggies to Hollywood A-listers, business tycoons and professionals to local community activists.
"Being invited to the White House state dinner was a tremendous honor, one that I will always cherish," said Deepa Iyer of SAALT (South Asian Americans Leading Together). "I was fortunate to have my father, a physician in Louisville, Kentucky, with me at the event.
 
“We enjoyed every moment of the event, from the pre-reception in the East Wing where we met Attorney General Eric Holder and director Steven Spielberg to the receiving line where we spoke briefly with the President, the First Lady, the Prime Minister and Mrs. Kaur, to the dinner and entertainment."