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An Evening with the Ambassador

It was a reminder of what true diplomacy looks like: an artful dance of listening, learning, and leading
11:01 PM Jan 29, 2025 IST | ABID RASHID BABA
an evening with the ambassador
Representational image
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There is something called dinner diplomacy. It is a practice of sharing food with people from different cultures, backgrounds, ethnicities to build relations and improve communication. On October 06, last year, I was part of one such dinner at Roosevelt House, an official residence of America’s top diplomat in India.

The evening began with a warm welcome from US envoy Eric Garcetti, who stood at the main door with his fresh signature smile. As the gates opened, he greeted each guest personally, his presence radiating genuine interest. With brief introductions, he called out to his little daughter, “Maya, come say hi to the guests,” creating a sense of family and belonging, right from the start. It was a small yet significant gesture that set the tone for the evening. Inside the grand hall, Garcetti’s charm was palpable. He connected with every fellow present, asking about our cities of residence and sharing something special he knew about each place.

After a brief Selfie session, we moved to the main lawn, where dinner tables were elegantly adorned with tricolour and American flags, each seat marked with a nameplate. The attention to detail was very impressive. On a lighter note, as I sat down with the US Ambassador at the dinner table, my thoughts drifted to Imaan, my Srinagar-based friend. It was in a local restaurant that Imaan had patiently taught the nuances of table manners to this gaam greyos.

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In one of Delhi’s posh localities, the magical evening turned magnetic with his presence. Eric stood at my table beside Muhammad Husain, my colleague from Kerala. As he greeted me with a firm handshake and a warm smile, it was clear that this wasn’t just a diplomatic formality. He genuinely enjoyed meeting people, understanding their stories, and connecting on a personal level. “Welcome,” he said, his voice resonating with sincerity. “I hope you feel at home.”

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The evening unfolded like a novel, each chapter marked by laughter, conversation, and shared reflections. Garcetti moved between guests with the ease of a seasoned host, weaving connections as effortlessly as a spider spins its web. When he spoke, his words carried the weight of experience yet danced lightly with the joy of discovery. “India and the United States,” he said as we savoured Biryani, “are two nations bound by shared values and a belief in the power of democracy. Our relationship is like this dinner—a coming together of flavours, cultures, and stories.”

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From tandoori delicacies to cheese cakes, every dish was a story unto itself. Garcetti, with his keen eye for detail, had ensured that the meal was not just delicious but symbolic.

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Between bites and sips, the conversation turned to weightier matters. Garcetti spoke of the bilateral ties between the oldest and the largest democracy in the world and the shared aspirations of the youth in both countries.

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But he also paused to listen, truly listen, as guests shared their perspectives. I really admire his listening skills. At one point, he recounted his travels across India. “Almost everywhere I’ve been,” he said, “I’ve found people full of warmth and ideas. From the bustling streets of Mumbai to the serene Meghalaya, India’s diversity is its greatest strength.” As the evening welded into night, Garcetti’s laughter, deep and genuine, punctuated the air, a reminder that diplomacy need not always be stern and formal.

Yet, he didn’t shy away from addressing challenges. He was very sincere in his approach,
“Democracy is difficult because you have to manage differences. But I hope that, through our pluralism and democratic values, we try to make things better.” I remember him saying this adding some life lessons, “Always be a learner, don’t worry about getting to the top, if the road leads you there, appreciate it but don’t stress yourself, and enjoy the present.” He earned a thunder of applause.

“Stay grounded like roots, yet aim for the treetop, for only then can you be both effective and truly happy.” The calm ambassador concluded his brief yet inspiring speech. “It’s a journey,” he said. “But the important thing is that we’re walking it together.” When it was time to leave, Garcetti stood at the gate, shaking hands and bidding farewell with the same warmth he had shown at the start. As I headed back to the hotel, I couldn’t help but reflect on the man I had just met. I was overwhelmed that a man of this stature is so humble and calm.

Eric Garcetti wasn’t just a diplomat; he is a storyteller, a bridge-builder, someone who understands that diplomacy is as much about the heart as it is about the head. As he leaves his ‘second home’, he praises India’s hospitality, “How do I say thank you to the most hospitable people in the world?” he said in his farewell message, “Your people’s dosti and zinda-dili touched me every day. Your festivals, your music, your art, your cuisine -- all have left an indelible mark on my soul.”

Notably, Garcetti was a political appointee of former US President Joe Biden. With the change of guard at the White House- the executive office of US President, in Washington D.C., Donald Trump will send a new representative to India. But Garcetti’s farewell message will be remembered for a long time, “My dear India: you’re not just incredible you’re unforgettable,” he said as he walked down the memory lane, “I’ve been able to float past the Ghats at Varanasi; I’ve crossed living root bridges in Meghalaya, sailed through the backwaters of Kerala, cheered on India at world’s largest sports stadium in Ahmedabad, and played hoops with the girls in bustling Mumbai. I’ve seen that fusion of ancient royalty and modern innovation in Hyderabad, celebrated the culture of Kolkata and the incredible history in the ancient temples of Chennai.”

His tenure in India may have ended, but the legacy he left behind—of trust, understanding, and genuine human connection—would endure. That evening wasn’t just a dinner; it was a reminder of what true diplomacy looks like: an artful dance of listening, learning, and leading.