The smell of drenched soil and the sight of the green countryside — US consul-general in Kolkata Melinda Pavek took in everything with delight as she interacted with students and academics on her first official visit to Santiniketan from August 21 to 23.
The visit was aimed at developing educational, cultural, entrepreneurial and social bilateral ties between India and the US to celebrate 75 years of their diplomatic relations.
The US consul-general at Sonajhuri Haat. US Consulate General Kolkata / Facebook
Beginning her trip with a visit to the much-famed Sonajhuri Haat on Sunday, Pavek spent time with local artisans to know more about handicrafts and other handmade items that were on sale.
On Monday, the US consul-general paid a visit to the Visva-Bharati campus, which included a tour of Kala Bhavana and Rabindra Bhavana Museum. She witnessed how regional and international students flock to the varsity in pursuit of higher education and a thorough grounding in art and craft.
Pavek interacts with the students of Patha Bhavana. US Consulate General Kolkata / Facebook
Describing her three-day trip as incredible, Pavek said Santiniketan was truly the abode of peace. “I was already inspired by Rabindranath Tagore’s vision for Visva-Bharati even before reaching that town. But it was really something to see first-hand how his legacy is thriving and inspiring students, teachers, and other members of this unique town.”
“I also met amazing artisans and entrepreneurs, who are using local resources and sharing important cultural traditions with the next generation,” she said.
Pavek interacts with women entrepreneurs supported by the Partnership2020 project. US Consulate General Kolkata / Facebook
During her time in Santiniketan, Pavek spent time interacting with bright young minds about the scope of higher education in the United States. She also spoke with The Fulbright Program alumni from the town to learn more about their key working areas like teaching and entrepreneurship and how they contributed to the promotion of local art, craft and culture.
To support indigenous craft, Pavek made a stop at a local potter’s studio and tried her hand at making her own pottery.
Students of Visva Bharati listen to Pavek with rapt attention. US Consulate General Kolkata / Facebook
Concluding her tour on Tuesday, she spent some time interacting with students of Patha Bhavana and Visva-Bharati.
The US consulate runs the Partnership 2020 Project with Visva-Bharati focusing on rural women entrepreneurs. She spent time with these women and got to know more about their entrepreneurship ventures ranging from making paper pulp to kantha stitch products.