NEW DELHI: Will Barack Obama wear an anti-pollution face mask when he’s on a visit to Delhi today?

One former Minnesota and current Delhi resident, Amrit Sharma, certainly hopes the former US President will, while on his day-long trip to the Capital today.

In fact, Sharma has even written an open letter to Obama, which he posted on his Twitter account, saying that a gesture like wearing a mask will help raise awareness – like no other campaign can – of how hazardous the air is in Delhi.

“You are one the most photographed people on earth, but none of your photos, yet, could potentially save millions of lives in your lifetime. I believe that if you wear a face mask while you’re in Delhi and take a photo, that alone could have such a big impact,” wrote Sharma.

Sharma reminded Obama that when he was in the Capital as chief guest on Republic Day in 2015, the US embassy reportedly bought as many as 1,800 air purifiers before he set foot in India.

The air quality in the Capital is currently as bad as in January 2015, if not worse. Delhi’s air remained in the “very poor” category for the seventh straight day yesterday with the Central Pollution Control Board recording an air quality index of 360, said PTI news agency.

“Over the couple days that you’re here in New Delhi on this trip, your exposure to pollutants will likely be greater than that of the rest of your year combined,” wrote Sharma.

Turns out, Sharma will have a chance to convey all his concerns to Obama in person. He tweeted that after he wrote his open letter he got an invite to attend Obama’s interactive ‘town hall’ session scheduled for this evening.

The ‘town hall’ is organised by the Obama Foundation, to “expand the conversation about what it means to be an active citizen and make an impact.”

“President Obama believes that countries are strongest when we empower our young people – because ultimately, they’re the ones who will shape our future,” said Bernadette Meehan, Executive Director of International Programs at the foundation.

Obama participated in similar events in Germany, Indonesia, and Brazil, earlier this year.