Press Release: Visit of President, Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) to the US Press Release: Visit of President, Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) to the US

        Dr. Vinay Sahasrabuddhe, President, ICCR, visited Atlanta and Washington D.C. from 08-12 August, 2019.

     In Washington D.C., Dr. Sahasrabuddhe delivered remarks on the topic “Prospects and challenges for an emerging New India” at a well-attended event held on 12 August at the prestigious think-tank, Hudson Institute. During his address, he dwelt on the vision of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, following a renewed mandate in the 2019 elections, for a New India characterized by ‘politics of performance’; good governance and development as drivers of democracy and tools of social integration; cooperative federalism; women empowerment and welfare measures for the disadvantaged sections of society. He also touched upon the recent decision of the Government of India to reorganize the State of Jammu & Kashmir.

     Separately, Dr. Vinay Sahasrabuddhe attended a round table interaction hosted by Ambassador Harsh Vardhan Shringla in Washington D.C. with members of the US Administration, Congress, academia and think-tanks.

     Dr. Sahasrabuddhe’s engagements in Atlanta included a meeting with US Congressman John Lewis and unveiling of a bust of Mahatma Gandhi at the Consulate General of India, Atlanta. He also paid homage to the statue of Mahatma Gandhi at the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Park. During his meeting with Congressman Lewis, Dr. Sahasrabuddhe applauded the latter’s efforts to introduce the ‘Lewis Bill’ in the US Congress which is an initiative to celebrate the legacies of Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King. He also interacted with prominent representatives from the field of art and culture in an event hosted by Ms. Swati Kulkarni, Consul General of India in Atlanta. 

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