Daijiworld Media Network - Seattle
Seattle, Sep 30: In a significant cultural diplomacy effort to strengthen India–US relations, particularly among youth, a 10-member student delegation from Montana recently returned from a two-week immersive tour of India and shared their experiences at a special reception hosted by Montana Governor Greg Gianforte at the State Capitol in Helena.
Organized in close collaboration between the newly-established Indian Consulate in Seattle and the Montana World Affairs Council, the visit aimed to promote people-to-people ties and nurture future leaders from both nations. The reception featured students recounting their journeys to a distinguished audience comprising scholars, media professionals, and business leaders.
Governor Gianforte praised the initiative, highlighting the importance of fostering cross-cultural understanding among youth. He commended the Indian Consulate’s efforts in creating new platforms for bilateral engagement and applauded the students for representing Montana abroad with curiosity and openness.
Led by Jason Smith, Board Member of the Montana World Affairs Council, the delegation visited several of India’s most iconic cultural and spiritual landmarks. Their itinerary included the Rath Yatra and Konark Sun Temple in Odisha, the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, ISKCON Temple in Vrindavan, the Taj Mahal in Agra, and architectural marvels like Bara Imambara and Rumi Darwaza in Lucknow.
Reflecting on the experience, Smith said, “There’s no place like India on Earth. The warmth, the hospitality, the diversity—it was magical. Our students got a chance to see that across continents, people are more alike than different.”
The students were selected through a rigorous state-wide outreach programme, which culminated in the Indian Film Festival hosted earlier this year at the University of Montana in Missoula. Their selection was based on a demonstrated interest in global affairs, cultural exchange, and leadership.
While in India, the delegation also engaged with senior officials at the Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi and participated in youth exchanges at premier educational institutions including KIIT/KISS in Bhubaneswar and CMS in Lucknow. These interactions offered students a rare opportunity to explore Indian society through direct dialogue with their Indian peers.
Additionally, the visit featured interactive workshops on traditional Indian art forms and cultural practices, allowing the students to engage deeply with the country’s vibrant heritage.
The visit was part of a broader effort to create enduring bonds between the youth of India and the United States, using education, culture, and personal connections as powerful tools of diplomacy.