US exploring avenues to partner with Nagaland

KOHIMA — The United States, partner country for the 25th Hornbill Festival edition, is actively participating in the festival by bringing a Native American band to showcase indigenous culture.

Besides, the United States of America is closely working with Nagaland on areas including educational opportunities and public health sector.

In their maiden visit to Nagaland, the deputy chief of Mission of the US Embassy in New Delhi, Jorgan Andrews, and the US consul general in Calcutta, Kathy Giles-Diaz, interacted with journalists in Kohima on Sunday and highlighted the growing relationships between the US and Nagaland.

“Nagaland has a rich cultural heritage and to be able to bring and introduce part of US indigenous culture to the people is special to deepen the ties between the US and this region,” Kathy said adding "We really recognise the deep respect for indigenous culture here."

The consul general added that working in the Northeast is a priority for the consulate and they wanted to do more here in terms of programming, meetings with people and get to know this region better.

“Nagaland is also the first place where American shelf was introduced through which books and resources from the consulate are brought in. This is another way that the consulate is looking at deepening the ties between Nagaland and the United States,” she said.

She added that the consulate this time has brought in an Education USA advisor to the state to give advice on how to apply to the US schools.

Informing that India is the top country in sending students to the United States to study, she expressed that it an important step is helping to bring more information and resources to help the students.

In terms of the embassy relationship with the Northeast, she pointed out that it's important to work with the local governments here.

“When people have resources, it strengthen the economy, respect the culture and have stability that helps bring prosperity for everyone,” she added.

The deputy chief also noted that people-to-people tie is the bedrock of relationship between the United States and India. To do that, they need to get to know and reach all of India. 

“India is so diverse and there are just so many different differences and interesting kind of cultural shifts from one place to another. And so with the Northeast including Nagaland is a key part of understanding that diversity and that cultural heritage,” Jorgan Andrews maintained.

On AIDS related and public health programmes, Jorgan said there are implementers here in Nagaland, who work with the centre for disease control in the US, USAID and ABC International.

Meanwhile, as for programmes on upscaling writing skills for the people of the state, Kathy said that's something worth exploring further.

Since their arrival to the state on Saturday, the US team had met with Nagaland Chief Minister, interacted with NBCC representatives, attended the opening ceremony of the Hornbill Festival, visited several places including Kohima Cathedral, State Museum and Second World War Cemetery in Kohima.