US Consul General Chris Hodges Hosts Workshop on Antiquities Trafficking in Chennai
The US Consul General in Chennai, Chris Hodges, has organized a five-day workshop on Antiquities Trafficking prevention. This event is a collaboration between the governments of India, Nepal, and Tamil Nadu, following the signing of the Cultural Property Agreement.
Event Details
The workshop is being held from September 9 to September 13. It was inaugurated by US Consul General Chris Hodges, who emphasized the importance of respecting history, heritage, and the partnership between the countries involved.
Significance of the Agreement
The Cultural Property Agreement was signed on July 26 by US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti and Govind Mohan, Secretary of the Indian Ministry of Culture. This agreement is the result of nearly two years of work by experts from both countries and aligns with the commitments made by President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Narendra Modi to protect cultural heritage.
Hodges highlighted that the workshop brings together experts from India, Nepal, and the US to discuss ways to preserve and celebrate cultural heritage. He noted that this agreement marks a new beginning in cooperation between the two countries to protect India’s diverse heritage.
Statements from Chris Hodges
Hodges stated, “This agreement is about respecting our ancestors, our history, our heritage, and one another as friends and partners.” He also expressed pride in the partnership between the US and India in preserving and celebrating culture.
He added, “All of the consulates are hugely proud to be partners with our Indian friends.”
Doubts Revealed
US Consul General -: A US Consul General is a person who represents the United States government in a foreign city. They help with things like visas and support US citizens abroad.
Chris Hodges -: Chris Hodges is the name of the US Consul General in Chennai, who is organizing the workshop.
Antiquities Trafficking -: Antiquities Trafficking is the illegal buying and selling of old and valuable cultural items, like ancient statues or artifacts.
Chennai -: Chennai is a big city in the southern part of India, in the state of Tamil Nadu.
Nepal -: Nepal is a country located to the north of India, known for its mountains, including Mount Everest.
Tamil Nadu -: Tamil Nadu is a state in the southern part of India, where Chennai is the capital city.
Cultural Property Agreement -: A Cultural Property Agreement is a deal between countries to protect and preserve important cultural items and prevent them from being stolen or sold illegally.
US Ambassador Eric Garcetti -: Eric Garcetti is the US Ambassador to India, which means he is the main representative of the US government in India.
Indian Ministry of Culture Secretary Govind Mohan -: Govind Mohan is a high-ranking official in the Indian government who works in the Ministry of Culture, which is responsible for preserving India’s cultural heritage.
President Joe Biden -: Joe Biden is the President of the United States, the leader of the US government.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi -: Narendra Modi is the Prime Minister of India, the leader of the Indian government.
