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Namaskar! My name is Nancy
Powell and I’ll be arriving soon
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as the new American Ambassador
to India.
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I’m delighted to be returning to
India, having lived and worked in
Kolkata and New Delhi
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as an American diplomat from
1992 to 1995.
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I’m anxious to reconnect with
old friends and to revisit my
favorite places.
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I’m an avid photographer and
look forward to sharing my
pictures with you,
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starting with a few of them now.
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But I’m not focused on reliving
the past;
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I'm looking forward —
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looking forward to experiencing
first-hand the dynamism of
India’s society,
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democracy, and economy.
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I plan to be a frequent flier to
all corners of India,
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enjoying your famous hospitality,
and hope to be able to connect
with you in
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person and through all the new
media now in India.
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And I’m looking forward to leading
the United States Mission team
in New Delhi,
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Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata and
Mumbai.
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The Americans and Indians who
work at the embassy and
consulates
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are engaged in promoting
economic growth in both
countries
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and expanding our defense
relationship,
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addressing common global
threats,
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and encouraging cooperation that
can benefit our countrymen and
women.
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I’m impressed with how much
deeper and broader
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Indian-American relations have
become
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and how much greater role India
now plays in addressing the
world’s challenges.
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At the same time, the rock-solid
foundation of our relationship —
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our shared democratic values and
respect for individual freedom —
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has not changed.
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I fully share President Obama’s
vision
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of India and America forming one
of the definitive partnerships
of the 21st century.
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When I lived in New Delhi, I
tried to begin the day with a
walk in Lodhi Gardens.
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While in Washington, I’ve
replaced that routine with daily
noontime walks
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around our National Mall.
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The monuments to Presidents
Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln
and Roosevelt
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never cease to inspire me with
their examples of leadership
during
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challenging moments in our
history.
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The latest addition to the Mall
is a tribute to Dr. Martin
Luther King Jr.,
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who drew inspiration from
Mahatma Gandhi in our common
struggle to ensure
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that all our citizens enjoy
equal opportunity and equal
rights.
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I will miss these walks,
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but look forward to replacing
them with visits to India’s
incredible array
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of natural wonders and
historical monuments.
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You’ll see me, camera in hand,
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trying to capture what I know
are going to be wonderful
memories of your country
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and a future of even stronger
ties between our nations.
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Phir Malinge.
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Produced by the U.S. Department of State]