Name says it all: US president’s fan in Guwahati becomes ‘Ms Obama’
Obsessive fans can go to any length to catch the attention of their idols. Some imitate, some stalk, while a few even commit suicide.
Obsessive fans can go to any length to catch the attention of their idols. Some imitate, some stalk, while a few even commit suicide.

Archana Ozah chose to approach the court to change her surname to that of her hero — US President Barack H Obama.
Archana, in her mid-30s, had been organising social events expressing her love for Obama. She would light incense sticks and pray to a portrait of the US president.
But a few took her seriously… until she published an advertisement in a local daily on Wednesday. The ad read: “That I, Archana Ozah, had changed my surname legally from Archana Ozah to Archana Obama vide court affidavit dated 03.03.2016 sworn before the Notary Public, Kamrup (M) at Guwahati.”
A legal expert said application to the notary public —usually a practising lawyer appointed by the state as a public officer — does not guarantee a change in surname.
“It depends on the official seal of approval by the magistrate concerned, and if the applicant was born on or after 1980, on the local municipal body,” a lawyer said.
But Archana said she was determined to go the distance to fulfil her dream of “being a part of Obama”.
She said, “I have not been able to live with Obama, but I will die an Obama.”
ABOUT THE AUTHORRahul KarmakarRahul Karmakar was part of Hindustan Times’ nationwide network of correspondents that brings news, analysis and information to its readers. He no longer works with the Hindustan Times.

E-Paper


