Promoting gender equality was vital in President Obama's message to India, so it made sense that a 12-year-old female activist who has overcome incredible odds was there to draw attention to the American leader's message.
And to share a heartfelt moment with the first lady, too.
During a stop on the Obamas' trip to the South Asian country on Tuesday, photographers caught a smiley exchange between Michelle Obama and 12-year-old Payal Jangid, a victim of slavery turned children's rights advocate, ABC News reported.
Payal and two other children who escaped slavery met with the Obamas at the Siri Fort Auditorium in New Delhi alongside Kailash Satyarthi, who won the Nobel Peace Prize last year with Malala Yousafzai for his work promoting children's rights, according to the Associated Press.
Satyarthi’s NGO, Bachpan Bachao Andolan, is responsible for rescuing Payal.
President and Michelle Obama meet with Kailash Satyarthi, third from right, his wife Sumedha Satyarth, left, with Payal Jangid, right, at the Siri Fort Auditorium in New Delhi, India, Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2015. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)
During the weeklong trip, the president met with Indian officials to focus on mutual goals of enhancing clean energy practices, discussed global trade and partook in the country's Republic Day festivities, according to the White House.
But he ended the visit on gender equality.
"We know from experience that nations are more successful when their women are successful," Obama said in a speech on Tuesday to mostly students and media representatives, according to Reuters.
The outlet reported that gender equality has become a hot-button issue in India after a woman was gang raped and murdered in December 2012. The incident sparked protests and called for improvement for women in regards to health, education and employment.
Payal leads the Child Parliament in her Indian village where many people live in poverty and girls are often forced into child marriage -- according to the World's Children's Prize. As the leader of the group, Payal is fighting for positive change, and demanding men respect women for the betterment of all.
“We visit children at home and explain to their parents why school is important," Payal, who wants to become a teacher some day, said. "We also tell fathers not to beat their children or wives. If they behave in a loving way, life is better for everyone.”
Support HuffPost
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
Your Loyalty Means The World To Us
At HuffPost, we believe that everyone needs high-quality journalism, but we understand that not everyone can afford to pay for expensive news subscriptions. That is why we are committed to providing deeply reported, carefully fact-checked news that is freely accessible to everyone.
Whether you come to HuffPost for updates on the 2024 presidential race, hard-hitting investigations into critical issues facing our country today, or trending stories that make you laugh, we appreciate you. The truth is, news costs money to produce, and we are proud that we have never put our stories behind an expensive paywall.
Would you join us to help keep our stories free for all? Your contribution of as little as $2 will go a long way.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. Would you consider becoming a regular HuffPost contributor?
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. If circumstances have changed since you last contributed, we hope you’ll consider contributing to HuffPost once more.
Support HuffPostAlready contributed? Log in to hide these messages.