Obama recalls how daughter scored 95 in science

Parents must set a "high bar" in the household, US President Barack Obama said as he recalled how his daughter Malia scored a 95 in a science test in school with a little bit of inspiration from him.

Marking the first anniversary of his election yesterday, the 48-year-old leader asked states to toughen their education standards and deviated from the prepared text of his speech to share a family story -- about the 11-year-old child.

"Even in our own household, with all the privileges and opportunities we have there are times when the kids slack off. There are times when they would rather be watching TV or playing a computer game than hitting the books," he said.

He said Malia, a sixth-grader at Sidwell Friends School here, had come home with a 73 on her science test some time ago. He said a few years ago, Malia had once scored in the 80s and felt she had "done pretty well" but was told by him and his wife that their goal was "90 per cent and up."

"She started internalising that" and with a 73, "she was depressed". Obama asked her what happened, and she said the study guide did not match up. Malia vowed to study harder.

"So she came home yesterday, she got a 95," Obama said. "But here's the point: She said, 'You know, I just like having knowledge," he said, going on to the make the point that "parents must set a high bar in the household."

Obama's remarks were seen as rare for a President who has tried hard to protect his children's privacy. "Reporters were left to wonder if the President would tell Malia that he told the world about her science lesson," CBS News writes. Advertisement

Barack Obama celebrates Diwali at White House

U.S President Barack Obama celebrated Diwali on Thursday by lighting the ceremonial lamp at the White House amidst chanting of Vedic mantras seeking world peace. He is the first U.S. President to personally grace the occasion.

“I think it’s fitting that we begin this work in the week leading up to the holiday of Diwali — the festival of lights — when members of some of the world’s greatest faiths celebrate the triumph of good over evil,” Mr. Obama said at the function held at the historic East Room.

“This coming Saturday, Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and some Buddhists, here in America and around the world, will celebrate this holiday by lighting ‘diyas,’ or lamps, which symbolise the victory of light over darkness, and knowledge over ignorance,” Mr. Obama said.

Among those present on the occasion were several eminent members of the Indian community, nearly half-a-dozen members of Mr. Obama’s Cabinet and several Indian-American members of his administration. “While this is a time of rejoicing, it’s also a time for reflection, when we remember those who are less fortunate and renew our commitment to reach out to those in need,” Mr. Obama said, minutes before lighting the lamp while Pandit Narayanacharya Digalakote from the Sri Shiva Vishnu temple chanted Vedic mantras.

“While the significance of the holiday for each faith varies, all of them mark it by gathering with family members to pray and decorate the house and enjoy delicious food and sweet treats,”

“In that spirit of celebration and contemplation, I am happy to light the White House Diya, and wish you all a Happy Diwali, and a Saal Mubarak,” the President said amidst a round of applause.

Mr. Obama signed an order to re-establish the advisory commission for Asian-American and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) to address their problems. Advertisement