"Louisiana has always been a melting pot of people and cultures, and today, we celebrate that heritage and recognize in our new governor, the blessings such an open and welcoming society can bring."

For the nearly two dozen Indian Americans -- mostly from Baton Rouge and New Orleans -- who were present at the ceremony and later at the gala invitation only black tie inaugural ball attended by about 1,000 guest -- it was a matter of pride that one of their own had reached the pinnacle of public office in Louisiana, and kept repeating words like 'historic,' 'amazing,' 'incredible,' and about what 'a model Bobby is for the second generation' of Indian Americans.

Chief Justice Calogero speaking to rediff.com immediately after the ceremony ended, said, Jindal, the son of Indian immigrants being sworn in as the state's new Governor, was personally so gratifying for him "and a wonderful, wonderful, tribute to all of us --that this could happen."

"He is absolutely marvelous," he said, adding, "Everything I know about him. I have watched him in Congress and before and as you know Governor Foster was so impressed with him when he handled the health department and that's where he earned his spurs --with Governor Foster. That is what helped him at the start."
Image: Jindal interacts with senior officials of the State after the swearing-in ceremony.