New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson has welcomed filmmakers from India to the state as an alternative to Hollywood.
At a meeting with India's Consul General in San Francisco Susmita Gongulee Thomas, Richardson briefed her about the incentives the state offered to filmmakers and sought her help in inviting Indian filmmakers.
The talks also touched upon cooperation between India and New Mexico on other fronts. Richardson and Thomas talked about cooperation in the field of ayurveda, as New Mexico recognises ayurveda as an alternative system of medicine, offering a lot of potential for Indian companies to export ayurvedic products to the state.
They also discussed the possibility of exporting nuclear fuel to India from New Mexico, which has abundant reserves of uranium.
On a less formal note, at a reception held at the India House Restaurant in Santa Fe, Thomas spoke to the Indian community about the amazing strides taken by the Indian economy and how India was now a leader in many industries, with much to offer to world.
Thomas also attended other Indian and American community events.
The Sikh Dharma International community marked the meeting with a luncheon at the estate of the late Siri Singh Shaib Yogiji in Espanola. Yogiji came to the West in the late 1960's, bringing the teachings of Kundalini Yoga as well as the lifestyle of Sikhism. Over the years, many Westerners adopted the Sikh path and the largest Western Sikh community is now located in Espanola.
The board of directors for the Santa Fe 400th Anniversary also hosted a reception for the consul general at the Santa Fe Hotel.
The Consul General's visit was coordinated with the help of Bhai Sahib Satpal Singh Khalsa -- a prominent member of the American Sikh community and Pawan Singh Dhindsa -- honorary consul for the State of New Mexico for India.
"As India continues its economic growth, it must strive to attract more investments and technology from the US and identify states such as New Mexico that are willing to do business with India," said Khalsa.
