Speeches & Articles

Remarks of
Consul General Beth A. Payne
at Press Conference on the visit of Martin Luther King III
The American Center
February 26, 2009

February 26, 2009

Members of the press
Ladies and gentleman
 
Welcome to the American Center on this historic occasion as we celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Junior’s pilgrimage to India.  On behalf of the people of this great city, I would like to welcome Martin Luther King III and Mr. Johnny to Kolkata.  Dr. King’s dream is as relevant today as it was on August 28, 1963 when Dr. King spoke of his desire for a future where blacks and whites, among others, would coexist harmoniously as equals.  The words he spoke that day on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial continue to inspire Americans and people around the world.  His dream serves as a reminder that the struggle for civil rights and justice has always been and continues to be a global mission; it knows no borders.  As Dr. King told us, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”

Dr. King’s trip to India 50 years ago stands as a landmark of the Civil Rights Movement in the United States and a real testament to the bonds of affection and shared history between our two nations.  I want to thank the Government of India, the state of West Bengal, and the City of Kolkata for welcoming and supporting Mr. King’s delegation during this historic follow-on visit.  This support is a reflection that India also understands that the deep and broad partnership our countries are forging is one based on common history and values.     
 
And Mr. King, today we have a special treat for you.  When we found out you were coming to Kolkata, our public affairs section organized a writing contest for young local students about what Dr. King’s dream means to them today.  Hundreds of students sent us essays, poems and stories that show how much your father’s idealism inspires the young people in India today.  Although they were all remarkable, we chose three outstanding pieces.  The writers are here with us today and they will be thrilled if you would personally present them with their certificates of appreciation and prizes.

Let me now call upon our student writers and Mr. King, if you would please do the honors of presenting the certificates and prizes to the winners.

In third place, we have Siddharth Mukherjee

Second place goes to Shilpa Dasgupta.

And the first place winner in this competition is Bidisha Sinha. 

Congratulations to you three and to all of the students who participated in this contest.  Your youth and vision, and the thoughtfulness you have put into your work clearly demonstrates the enduring power and vision of Dr. King’s dream.  Now it is my honor to turn the mike over to Mr. King for his remarks.  Thank you.