Deputy Chief of Mission, US Embassy, Delhi, Jorgan Andrews and US Consul General, Kolkata, Cathy Giles-Diaz at Hotel Japfü during the exclusive interview on December 1.
US Consul General on collaborating with Nagaland as country partner for Hornbill Festival
Vishü Rita Krocha
Kohima | December 1
Even as the United States join the 25th Edition of Hornbill Festival as one of the country partners, Cathy Giles-Diaz, US Consul General, Kolkata pronounced on Sunday afternoon that the collaboration is a recognition of the deep ties between the United States and the region while expressing that, “we really recognize the deep respect for indigenous culture here.”
In an exclusive interview with the Deputy Chief of Mission, US Embassy, Delhi, Jorgan Andrews and the Consul General, held at Hotel Japfü in Kohima on December 1, she articulated that, “I think you have a very rich cultural heritage and so, being able to bring and introduce part of U.S indigenous culture to the people here would be very special to deepen the ties between our country and this region.”
She further articulated that “working in the Northeast is really a priority for our Consulate” while stating interest to do more in the region. Nagaland, she also recalled was the first place where an American Shelf was opened. “That’s another way we are looking at deepening the ties between Nagaland and the United States”, she put across.
Building on that, she revealed that they are bringing an EducationUSA Adviser, who would be at the Hornbill Festival for four days in person to give out advice on how to apply to schools in the US. This year, she highlighted that India is the top sending country in terms of sending counties to the United States to study.
However, stating that while people in the Northeast may want to study in the US, she said, “you are underrepresented as compared to other parts of India.” Which is why, the EducationUSA Adviser would provide some of the services relating to the application process. “I think an important step is helping to bring more information and resources here to help students have that opportunity”, she stated.
In respect of its relationship with the Northeast, she underscored that, “it’s very important to work with the local governments here” while expressing further that, “we know that when people have resources and we strengthen the economy, and we respect the culture, we have stability, and that helps bring prosperity for everyone.”
‘People-to-people ties are at the bedrock of US-India relationship’
Stating that people-to-people ties are at the bedrock of the relationship between the United States and India, Deputy Chief of Mission, US Embassy, Delhi, Jorgan Andrews expressed that in order to do that, “we need to get to know and reach all of India.”
Further observing that India is so diverse with so many differences and interesting kind of cultural shifts from one place to another, he emphasized that, “and so, with the Northeast, including Nagaland is a key part of understanding that that diversity, and that cultural heritage.”
This, he highlighted is his first trip to Nagaland while stating happiness to get the chance to know the area and learn more about Nagaland’s history and all the other cultural opportunities. Terming it as ‘a good familiarization trip’ for him, he also articulated that if there is a certain interest or need, “we can design a program that addresses those interests” besides the number of exchange programs that they already have.
He was responding to a query on whether there is a way for the US and Nagaland state to collaborate in the field of writing. “It’s the start of the conversation and understanding what the journalistic and academic community in Nagaland is interested in, that would help us understand whether we might be able to play a role”, he stated. In this context, the US Consul General, Cathy Giles-Diaz impressed upon that their visit to the state is also to learn about the resources that are most needed here, share best practices and see the areas where the US and Nagaland state can best collaborate. “I think it’s something certainly worth exploring further”, she stated.
Prior to attending the Hornbil Festival, the Deputy Chief of Mission, US Embassy, Delhi, Jorgan Andrews and US Consul General, Kolkata, Cathy Giles-Diaz met with the Chief Minister of Nagaland, people working on HIV/AIDS, NBCC and also visited the Cathedral, State Museum, and Kohima War Cemetery.
December 1 being World AIDS Day, Cathy Giles-Diaz added that it is a day “to commemorate all the work that is done to both recognise and treat people with AIDS, and make sure that they are not in the shadows.” Jordan Andrews also highlighted about the initiatives of USAID while putting across that there are all kinds of ways that the Embassy is engaged with Nagaland including the educational and cultural exchange.
