of State Steve Simon
CHICAGO: During his visit to Minneapolis from February 5 to 8, Indian Consul General Dr Ausaf Sayeed had favorable interactions with Minnesota officials and business interests besides cordial interactions with Indian Americans
Dr Sayeed met with the Minnesota Secretary of State, Steve Simon, former Secretary of State Mark Ritchie and senior officials of the Department of Employment and Economic Development, the US Small Business Administration, the India Chamber of Commerce; the Minnesota World Fair Team and business houses like CVRx, Life Science Alley and Innovations Inc.
The Consul General visited the University of Minnesota and met with several heads of departments and renowned professors and scholars, including Dr Kumar G. Belani, Assistant Vice President, India Affairs, to discuss avenues for expansion of educational and scientific cooperation between the University of Minnesota and their academic counterparts in India. He also visited the Masonic Cancer Center at the University and was given an extensive briefing by Prof (Dr) Ashok K.Saluja and his team, which is doing pioneering research to develop a drug called ‘Minnelide’ for treatment of pancreatic cancer.
The CG addressed a Townhall meeting at the Hindu Temple in Minnesota and interacted with members of the Indian-American community on matters relating to Consular and Visa services, besides a host of other issues such as ‘Swach Bharat Abhiyan’ and opportunities for people’s participation in governance through the Prime Minister’s portal Mygov.in.
He delivered a keynote address at the ‘Connect India 2015’ event organized by the Indian Association in Minnesota (IAM) on February 7 at Wilder Center, Saint Paul, Minnesota. Dr Sayeed lauded the valuable contribution made by the Indian-American community towards the socio-economic, academic and scientific progress of Minnesota, highlighting the success stories of several members of the Indian Diaspora in the United States.
The Consul General also highlighted the huge economic potential that exists between India and the United States with particular reference to the nine states of the US Midwest covered by the Consulate.
Surendra Ullal
