US Ambassador to India, Nancy Powell, called on the Prince of Arcot, Nawab Mohammed Abdul Ali, at his ancestral home Amir Mahal, during her visit to Chennai on Wednesday. US Consul General Jennifer McIntyre and Political and Economic Officer, US Consulate General, Matthew Bey, accompanied Powell.
Also present on the occasion were select intellectuals and scholars from the Muslim community including Chief Khazi to Government of Tamil Nadu Mufti Salauddin Mohammed Ayub, U Mohammed Khalilullah, former Home Secretary Munir Hoda, T Rafeeq Ahmed, Imbich Ahmed, Dr G M Yahya and Secretary General, Islamic Forum for the Promotion of Moderate Thought A Faizur Rahman, who interacted with the Ambassador on issues related to the US and Muslim community.
Among other things, the trust deficit that exists between the Muslims and the American establishment was discussed.
The Muslim community’s concern over the continuing US support for Israel despite its occupation of Palestine was also expressed. The US establishment was urged to maintain a distinction between the peace-loving moderate Muslim majority and violent extremists in their war against terror.
The Prince of Arcot prevailed upon Nancy Powell to convey the sentiments of the Muslims to US President Barack Obama and urge him to re-orient his policies in such a manner so as to bring about an improvement in the US-Muslim relationship.
The Ambassador also presented Apple iPods to the winners of an art contest announced by the Public Affairs Section of the US Embassy in New Delhi in September.
With the theme 'Being a Child in India, the contest was announced to highlight the message of child survival.
Nine-year-old Shruti Balaji from Chennai won the first prize, while the second and third prizes were bagged by Samya Rehan from Noida and Madhu Bhaandari from New Delhi.