Consulate Highlights
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 | | Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton addresses the U.S.-India Business Council's 34th Anniversary "Synergies Summit" at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, June 17, 2009. |
New Era in India-U.S. Relationship: Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton at the U.S.-India Business Council's Synergies Summit, June 17, 2009 "Four platforms of cooperation - global security, human development, economic activity, science and technology - can support us in launching this third phase of the U.S.-India relationship. I think our successes and our futures are intertwined. Obviously, we want India to do well on its own for its own sake, but we also have a stake in that outcome, because we want India to succeed as a model of democratic development. We want India to succeed as an anchor for regional and global security. And we want India to succeed so that the world's two largest democracies can work together as strong partners." 
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Latest Headlines From the
Consulate |
"Consular Services at the U.S. Consulate in Kolkata will be closed on July 14, 2009 from 1p.m. to 5p.m. In case of an emergency involving an American Citizen, please call 91-33-3984-2400 and ask to speak with the Duty Officer."
Kolkata APAO Conducts Quiz on “Being Muslim in America”On June 30, 2009 the U.S. Consulate General, in collaboration with the Society for the Propagation of Holy Quraan & Hadith, hosted students from 10 local Muslim schools for a quiz based upon the contents of the new publication “Being Muslim in America.” Kolkata APAO Moulik Berkana conducted two rounds of the contest. The winning schools were: Maulana Md. Ali High Madrassa, Momin High School, and Progressive Day School. The program is part of the Consulate’s ongoing programs to engage diverse audiences in eastern India.
Consul General Visits OrissaKolkata Consul General Beth Payne visited Orissa from June 23 - 26. While there she attended the Rath Yatra Festival in Puri, met with Chief Minister Patnaik and other officials in Bhubaneswar, and visited a school for disadvantaged children run by the noted activist Ms. Tulasi Munda.
Scholars Review China-India-U. S. RelationsThe public affairs section, in collaboration with the Foreign Policy Study Circle, engaged young scholars and academics to review Sino-India-U. S. relations during a June 26 program in the American Center. In his opening remarks, Deputy Director Moulik Berkana, gave an overview of President Obama’s China Policy. Former Editor, China Daily, Ashis Chakrabarti, spoke on China’s new agrarian policies. A Fellow of Kolkata’s prominent think tank, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Institute of Asian Studies (MAKAIAS), Dr. Binod Mishra analyzed China’s foreign policy. Professor of Political science from Calcutta University
Dr. S. K. Das moderated the program.
Voice of America Program in KolkataThe VOA Bangla service held its annual celebration at the American Center on June 26. PAO Doug Kelly addressed the audience of over 140 VOA enthusiasts on the subject of Indo-U.S. relations, and later passed out prizes for the winners of a quiz program broadcast by the radio service.
Kolkata APAO Visits Private Madrassa
On June 25, Kolkata’s Assistant Public Affairs Officer (APAO) Moulik Berkana met students at Darus Salam, a private Madrassa in Kidderpore, a predominantly Muslim area in south Kolkata. During the visit the APAO discussed with the teachers about the syllabus, lifestyle and the challenges they are facing in their life. He presented to the Madrassa’s library issues of Urdu/Hindi/English SPAN magazine and “Outline of the American History,” and “Being Muslim in America.” He also presented copies of President Obama’s June 4 speech in Cairo, translated into Urdu.
Kolkata APAO Visits Government-funded Madrassa
On June 25, Kolkata’s Assistant Public Affairs Officer (APAO) Moulik Berkana visited Maulana Mohammed Ali High Madrassa, in South Kolkata. He met and interacted with students and faculty. He distributed copies of Urdu/Hindi/English SPAN to the students. He presented to the Madrassa’s library issues of Urdu/Hindi/English SPAN magazine and “Outline of the American History,” and “Being Muslim in America.” He also presented copies of President Obama’s June 4 speech in Cairo, translated into Urdu.
U.S. Consul General Joins Kolkata Cleanup Campaign
On June 19 U.S. Consul General in Kolkata Beth A. Payne participated in the “Calcutta Cleanup Campaign.” This is part of an organized campaign led by Calcuttawalks that encourages volunteers to take responsibility to improve the environment of their city.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Vision of Peace Discussed at Interfaith Program
In commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s visit to India, the U.S. Consulate General, in collaboration with St. Paul’s Cathedral in Kolkata, organized a program on peace on June 19. Eminent community leaders from Hinduism, Islam, Sikhism, Christianity, and Buddhism spoke about resolving differences through peaceful means. Assistant Public Affairs Officer Moulik Berkana introduced the exhibit “Journeys Toward Freedom” that was on display in the Cathedral.
Consul General Inaugurates Muslim Business Council The Muslim Business Council of India (MBOIC) formally inaugurated its Kolkata branch during an interactive session at the American Center on June 18. In her remarks, Consul General Beth Payne spoke of President Obama's commitment to forge stronger ties with Muslim communities, and General Secretary Mohammed Arif took questions from the audience about the MBCOI's goals and objectives.
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