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The United States and India, 1783-1947
Photographs by RAKESH MALHOTRA
mbassador Richard R. Verma inaugurated the “Kindred Nations: The United States and India, 1783-1947” exhibition at the India Habitat Centre in New Delhi on March 12. The exhibit, which was later displayed at the American Center in April, will travel to other cities in India. Curated by Meridian International Center, Washington, D.C., with support from the U.S. Department of State, “Kindred Nations” presents historical images that recall tales of remarkable people—some well known, others awaiting rediscovery. These stories convey the range of U.S.India interactions across many domains. Although the photographs and documents capture individual experiences, each narrative offers insight into crossfertilizations between the United States and India that helped shape both countries. “The images in this exhibition—of leaders, merchants, immigrants, artists, educators and students—show that the friendship between both nations is built on a foundation of shared respect,” Ambassador Stuart Holliday, president and CEO of the Meridian International Center, said in a message on the exhibit.
Above: Visitors look at the historical images on display at the exhibit. Right: Ambassador Richard R. Verma (from left); David Mees, Cultural Counselor, U.S. Embassy; and Rajiv Sethi, chairman and founder trustee of The Asian Heritage Foundation at the inauguration.
“The affinity shared between the United States and India is profound. It extends back over 200 years, encompassing independence, civil rights, education and philosophy. Many of these elements have become deeply embedded in our respective cultures. This interchange has influenced our world views... “Kindred Nations” is a testament to the historical depth of our ties and the profound admiration our two countries have for one another,” U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said in his message on the exhibit.
Above: Ambassador Richard R. Verma speaks at the inauguration of the “Kindred Nations” exhibit in New Delhi.
Left: A photograph displayed at the exhibit, which shows American sympathizers arrested for picketing the British Embassy, in Washington, D.C. in 1943.
www.meridian.org/kindrednations