Speeches and Remarks

04 June 2004

Remarks by Ambassador David C. Mulford
at the First Anniversary Event for the SPAN Hindi and Urdu Editions

The India Habitat Centre, New Delhi

Thank you Gabrielle, and thank you Mr. Pachauri, Ms. Pande, Mr. Abidi and Dr. Trehan for taking the time to join us here this evening. It is a pleasure for me to be here with you to celebrate the one-year anniversary of the Hindi and Urdu editions of SPAN magazine.

These are exciting times of change for both the United States and India. The relationship between our countries continues to grow and is strengthened by our common values and interests as democratic societies - societies committed to political freedom, tolerance, and representative government. The strategic cooperation between the U.S. and India spans a broad range of issues, from promoting greater global stability and security, to improving standards of living and quality of life. Our nations are working together on issues that affect global climate change, the environment and energy resources. And we are continuing to partner on technological advances that will improve the way we do business, fight disease, explore space and enhance the quality of our food supply.

Yet, a solid relationship between nations must extend beyond the realm of government-to-government interaction to incorporate the private sector, non-governmental organizations and people-to-people exchanges. These types of interactions allow for the free flow of ideas that help our economies grow and build strong civil societies. One striking example of the tremendous growth in direct contact between the people of our two great nations is that there are more Indian students studying in the United States today, than in any other country in the world - nearly 75,000 at last count. Cross-cultural exchanges, whether they be academic or professional in nature, are an important way of increasing understanding and building bridges between the people of different nations.

In the past, when relations between the U.S. and India were not at their best, people-to-people ties continued to thrive, but today they have reached an all time high. The interest in "things Indian" continues to grow in the U.S., as seen in the popularity of movies such as Monsoon Wedding, The Guru or Kal Ho Naa Ho or by the growing trends of fusion in food and fashion. Indian- Americans are making extraordinary contributions to American culture, business and politics - whether it be through Sabeer Bhatia's founding of Hotmail or Bobby Jindal's close race for Governor of Lousiana.

Similarly, American values and pop culture are finding their way to India, via television programs, restaurants, music and more. And the liberalization of the Indian economy is helping to increase private sector interaction between U.S. and Indian businesses, as well as professional partnerships and tourism. One of the important goals of our Public Affairs Section is to help create and foster mutual understanding through personal, professional and institutional exchanges.

I have personally experienced the value of cross-cultural exchanges as a Rotary Fellow in South Africa and as a student at Oxford University. I also lived in Saudi Arabia for many years and enjoyed the time I spent speaking to people about their country's history, art and culture. It was fascinating for me to hear their perceptions of America and American society. Looking back at that time, I wish there had been a quality magazine, such as SPAN, to link people of the two countries together. Luckily, we have such a thing in India.

For over 40 years, SPAN magazine has added a special dimension to the people-to-people aspect of the U.S.-India relationship by providing a window to American society, culture and values. In the words of SPAN's first editor, the magazine serves as "a span of words and images that link India and America's common hopes, common pleasures and delights, common goals and values." The magazine stimulates thought and discussion on a range of topics by publishing works from leading Indian and American writers, artists and photographers.

In early 2003 the SPAN staff saw an opportunity to reach out to more people via Hindi and Urdu editions of the popular English magazine. And we are now celebrating the one-year anniversary of that new adventure. And I would like to extend a special note of appreciation to Lea Terhune and the rest of the SPAN staff for their hard work and dedication over the past year to make the Hindi and Urdu editions a success.

In addition to celebrating the first anniversary of the Hindi and Urdu editions of SPAN magazine, the theme for tonight's event is the importance of making a difference in one's community. Over the years, through insightful articles, features and photo essays, SPAN has highlighted the efforts of our governments, businesses, non-governmental organizations, educational institutions and individuals to improve civil society in the U.S. and India. These efforts play a crucial role in enhancing the quality of life at the community level, both today and in the future.

We are fortunate to have with us here tonight, a group of speakers who exemplify the importance of giving back to the community. Whether it be through the creation of affordable health care, defending the rights of the disabled or supporting women's rights, our speakers truly "practice what they preach."

All of you, sitting in this room here tonight, represent the future leaders of this nation. You are a vital resource in and for your community. I challenge you to realize your potential and reach out to others to make a lasting and positive difference in your community.

Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, "Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail."

Enjoy your evening and thank you all - as both committed citizens and SPAN readers - for being with us here tonight.