US Consulate celebrates National Day with a reception in Kolkata

The U.S. Consulate in Kolkata hosted a grand reception on Friday evening to celebrate the 249th Independence Day of the United States. The event brought together diplomats, government officials, cultural figures, and prominent members of the city’s civil society, marking a vibrant evening of camaraderie and cross-cultural exchange in presence of Manoj Pant, IAS chief secretary to the government of West Bengal. Held with all the ceremonial flair befitting the occasion, the gala underscored the enduring partnership between the United States and India. Reflecting on the journey of America for freedom and as a democracy, Charge D’ Affaires Jorgan K Andrews said, “There is no better place to celebrate America’s birthday than here, the world’s largest democracy.”





‘This is my first time hosting America’s national day here in Kolkata and it caps off an amazing and busy year since I arrived in August. Many of you have opened the doors to my team, me and my family and helped us to forge our allies. When we talk about diplomacy, we often think of governments working together and certainly that is true, but certainly what is also true is the real part, the real connections and the real strength comes from the people’

- Kathy Giles-Diaz, US Consul General







‘This day marks an inspiring journey of freedom and democracy that the US had undertaken since independence. It also gives us an opportunity to reflect on the profound and enduring relationship between the two nations. Our shared values of democracy, liberty and justice are found in the dynamic partnership that we cherish today. West Bengal holds a special place in this shared history being home to one of the oldest American Consulates in the world and the oldest in India established in 1794’

-Manoj Pant, IAS, chief secretary to the government of West Bengal