DARJEELING, November 2nd, 2023 – Shri Harsh Vardhan Shringla, a notable figure in the Ministry of External Affairs, renowned for his distinguished career as Foreign Secretary of India and more recently as the Chief Coordinator of G20 India, as well as serving as the President of the Darjeeling Welfare Society, was bestowed with the prestigious Kalakranti Governor's Excellence Award by His Excellency The Governor of West Bengal, Shri C.V Ananda Bose. The grand award ceremony unfolded during a momentous event organized in collaboration with the United States-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) at the majestic Rajbhawan in Darjeeling.
The event witnessed the esteemed presence of His Excellency The Governor of West Bengal, Shri C.V Ananda Bose, who expressed optimism about "healthy discussions with the captains of major industries of the United States which shall bring about many projects for the development of West Bengal and its people."
A distinguished delegation from the United States-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF), featuring CEOs and top executives from leading U.S. corporations, graced the occasion. They were specially invited to the Darjeeling region by Shri Harsh Vardhan Shringla.
United States Consul General Melinda Pavek, who was part of the delegation, highlighted “the rejuvenating prospects for healthier partnerships between India and the United States, particularly in North Bengal. She emphasized exploring various investment opportunities in sectors such as agriculture, skill development, information technology, hospitality, and healthcare”which will bring significant development to the North Bengal and Darjeeling region.
The highlight of the day was when His Excellency Governor Shri C.V Ananda Bose presented the Kalakranti Governor's Excellence Award to Shri Harsh Vardhan Shringla. In a heartwarming gesture, Shringla dedicated this prestigious accolade to the people of Darjeeling, reaffirming his unwavering commitment to his hometown. He announced his intent to contribute the award's sum of Rs. 1 lakh to support underprivileged individuals in Darjeeling, underlining his dedication to the community's well-being.
In a press interaction, Shri Harsh Vardhan Shringla expressed “his honor in receiving the inaugural Kalakranti Governor's Excellence Award. He celebrated his diplomatic career spanning over 40 years, dedicated to the people of his hometown, Darjeeling. Shringla invited USISPF to explore the vast scope of investment and economic opportunities in Darjeeling, including Tourism, Healthcare, Education, and Skill Development, which promise significant employment and growth for the region. Shri Shringla expressed his motive to do his best and leverage resources towards the development of his hometown Darjeeling and the hills. He also extended his future plans to invite the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation who invest billions of dollars towards socio-economic development across the world, to Darjeeling. A major employment and training camp is also scheduled to benefit the youth of Darjeeling”.
Shri Harsh Vardhan Shringla and USISPF exemplify their commitment to fostering stronger ties between India and the United States, with a special focus on harnessing the potential of the youth of Darjeeling.
