NEW AMBASSADOR OF INDIA TO US
HARSH VARDHAN SHRINGLA VISITS ATLANTA

By Ravi R Ponangi

Atlanta, GA: The newly appointed Ambassador of India to US, Harsh Vardhan Shringla visited Atlanta for a day on Wednesday, January 30. He had a very packed and intensive schedule, visiting and addressing diverse communities which include meeting the Georgia Governor, addressing both chambers of the Georgia General Assembly, meeting Government officials, elected representatives, main stream business community, visiting CNN headquarters, interacting with Indian American diaspora, and a visit to Consulate.

Ambassador addressing Georgia state legislators

Seasoned diplomat Harsh Vardhan Shringla, presented his diplomatic credentials on Friday, January 11 to the US President Donald Trump in the Oval office of the white House, Washington. He is a seasoned career diplomat from 1984-batch of Indian Foreign Service. His diplomatic career spans over 30 years in which he has held various positions in New Delhi and in Indian missions abroad. Before his appointment as the ambassador to the US, he has served as the high commissioner in Bangladesh.

In conversation with Georgia Governor Brain Kemp

Despite below zero-degree temperatures, the Ambassador started his Atlanta tour by paying rich tributes and homage to Mahatma Gandhi at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Historical Site. January 30 is the 71st death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. India observe Mahatma Gandhi Punya Tithi as Martyrs Day. While addressing the gathering at Gandhi statue he informed the community that this year also coincides with 150th birth anniversary year of Gandhi Ji. This year the world is celebrating the landmark event. It coincides with MLK’s 90th birth anniversary year and 60th anniversary year of king’s visit to India. In many ways these events are significant to all of us.

Ambassador Shringla said Dr. King drew inspiration from Mahatma Gandhi and in turn he inspired so many other people. It all happened in Atlanta and in Georgia. Expressing his impression on visiting Gandhi statue Ambassador said it is quite a moving experience for him to be at the statue. This is the place where Dr. King lived and spearheaded his message of peace and nonviolence.

The Ambassador met the Governor of Georgia, Brain Kemp, visited Georgia General Assembly which is in session. He addressed the members of Georgia General Assembly. The both chambers of General Assembly made a resolution in honor of the Ambassador’s visit to Atlanta. It was a proud and memorable experience to both Ambassador and the community here. Ambassador also spoke on United States and India Relations with main stream business community organized by Atlanta council on International Relations (ACIR) at Capital City Club and followed by a press meet with local media members. Then visited CNN headquarters for an interview. The Ambassador concluded his one-day hectic tour with an interaction with a large number of Indian Americans and with representatives of community organizations not only from Georgia but also from neighboring states of South east which come under jurisdiction of Atlanta Consulate.

Interacting with Indian Diaspora he said our relations with united states today would have not better what we have been made in the last two years. We have made huge amount of progress in the last two years. We are cooperating on all fronts. Our two countries have recognized and shared the values and principles that we are vibrant democracies and we are sharing those ideals in partnerships and not just in bilateral front but regionally and globally. Our perception with united states has changed significantly. He said one of the reasons is the growth of India economically and another area is the success of Indian community in USA. Indian community has shown tremendous talent almost in every field that they represent in US. He further said today we have 4 million strong community both US citizens and Indian citizens. He informed that the Indian community is a great source of strength for India.

He reminded the community that they have a stake in improving US and India relations. He said we are having a similar stake. He informed that Embassy and consulates in US are working with Indian community. He said you are our partner stake holders in strengthening relations between United states and India. We have an outreach to congress. There are many new congressmen and senators. We are seeking the help of Indian community in leveraging your close relationships with many of these elected representatives. The Consul General of India, Dr. Swati Kulkarni coordinated effectively the Ambassador’s visit to Atlanta.