showing the flag

Sometimes when the CG is unable to attend events us entry level officers (ELOs, apparently being called junior officers was too offensive?)are asked to go in his place and be the American presence. Some are really cool, others a bit less glamorous. Regardless of the ELO perception of the event, when an invitation is given to the CG it comes from people who genuinely want to build relations with the U.S. and a lot of great public diplomacy can occur just by showing up. Tonight was my first such event. Frankly, after a full day of work and recovering from complete icky sickness the day before, I was dreading having to sit and smile all suited up. And right before I got panicked that maybe I would be expected to speak or at least mingle and say appropriate things! So I looked real quick on the internet to get talking points and catch up on recent events, printing some things out. In the car I read some of these things and got myself mentally prepared for what looked to be a few hours of sitting still and listening to speeches. Upon approaching the hotel, the car first had to have the requisite "security check". When I walked in and gave my card (yes I have cards now! english on one side, tamil on the other)I started to realize the power of being with the consulate. I was treated like someone important, escorted around and given coffee and then seated in the first row in the VIP section where everyone had their names on their chairs. Hmmmmm, a reminder that although I'm not important, the position is and the position builds bridges. The evening started with an impressive singing performance, followed by speeches, bouquet and plaque giving, videos. The winner of the award, Shri. Sunil Bharti Mittal, gave an inspiring and interesting speech. In all, I learned a lot both about the importance of showing up and about Indian industry, some of the important names as well as some of the important themes. It was particularly interesting to hear their take on the rising power of entrepreneurism in the country, especially for an economist. Oh, and I am understanding more and more that Indians love the word "august".