The U.S. Consulate General in Mumbai marked 180 years of consular presence here with a festivity on the Consulate grounds, on February 15, 2019. The occasion was hosted by the U.S. Consulate General and Namaste America.
Namaste America Indo American Association of Art and Culture is dedicated to endorse and substitute benevolence between the people of the United States of America and India by providing a platform for social and trade exchange particularly in the areas of Education, Media, Entertainment, and Science & Sports. And the U.S. Consulate General in Mumbai signifies the United States in Western India, including the states of Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Goa.
An insight of the Pulwama disaster that had struck the former day, Consul-General Edgard Kagan first led the meeting in observing a moment of silence for the terrible loss of lives of Indian troopers in the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pulwama.
180 years since, U.S. President Martin Van Buren sent the first American Consul, Philemon S. Parker, to what was then Bombay. Replicating on the United States’ shared history with Mumbai, Consul General Kagan said, ‘We believe the United States and India are closer friends and partners than at any other time in those 180 years. We are truly intertwined in all areas, including strong trade and economic ties, a shared vision for a prosperous and secure Indo-Pacific region, shared values, and genuine interest in each other’s cultures.’ He added, ‘We carry on the spirit and ambition of those that came before us, confident that we will bring the United States-India relations to new and greater heights.’
U.S. Consul General Edgard Kagan and Namaste America president Atul Nishar were present, along with a host of other bigwigs and personalities including Bollywood actor Ishaan Khatter.
Seen at the event were Minal & Niraj Bajaj, Parul & Nayan Patel, Cynthia Gire (Wife of Consul General Edgard Kagan), Dr. Alka Nishar, Arti & Kailash Surendranath, Rajyalakshmi & Dr. Vijay Papa Rao Meka, Nafisa & Habil Khorakiwala, Nadir Godrej, Piloo Tata, Vinay Singh & Niharica Kumari Raizada, Madhu & Satish Shah, Urvi Piramal, Kalpana Singhania and Nisha Jamvwal.
Talking about the happening evening, one of the highpoints was an exceptional concert by famous choreographer Shiamak Davar and his troupe. A performance by the members of Davar’s Victory Arts Foundation, which gives a stage to the differently abled and deprived, won the audience’s hearts.
Ishaan Khatter shook a leg with his teacher Shiamak Davar on the hits of Bollywood tracks. Shiamak gathered the guests and made them contribute to the show in a finale enjoyed by all.
Atul Nishar, President, Namaste America said, ‘For the last eight years, Namaste America has played a very effective role in building cultural ties between The United States and India. The US Consulate has been an integral part of Mumbai city facilitating stronger bonds between our great nations. We cherish this association and are privileged to join hands in this celebration of 180 wonderful years.’
