Diplomats or Consul Generals/Deputy High Commissioners in Chennai city are tirelessly navigating life in our city to represent their countries, but there is another parallel track at each embassy that often works just as hard, sometimes 24/7, in a less obvious way: networking, socialising and discussing education and trade opportunities at less formal spaces.
According to Gayathri Pradeep, who is the head of press and communication of UK’s Deputy High Commissioner Oliver Ballhatchet, “The diplomatic circle is a well-networked group and they love coming together at social events. Our mission is heavily invested in community and culture and Oliver enjoys a night of networking and discussing India-British ties. Recently, he dressed up in Nawabi style for a gourmet bash and loved interacting over British-Indian food and in a Nawabi backdrop at Amir Mahal.”
It is also a way for the diplomatic mission to engage with local communities like in the past the UK’s mission here has hosted LGBT parties at which the former UK Deputy High Commissioner along with his family has gotten on the dance floor to celebrate equality and inclusion.
The US Consulate in Chennai has of late been in the lifestyle news too for the many art and cultural activities that bring about a cerebral and entertaining interaction. Curated and executed by the vivacious Ratna Mukherjee, the culture division of the US Consulate hosts movie nights, legal debates for students, engages revellers in a song and dance session with award-winning US performers.
Consul General Robert Burgess is also seen enjoying a Carnatic concert by Aruna Sairam or even tasting some lip-smacking South Indian cuisine along with Chennai's elite at sabha canteens. Lauren Lovelace, Chennai has come to love, is the Public Affairs Officer at the US Consulate, Chennai, and her footprints at events such as fashion shows, music concerts and storytelling events have made her the top name on most guest lists. She can often be seen catching up with friends and formulating plans to take a cause forward through a fashion initiative and also sharing 'best practices' with city folk.
In the past too, the US Consul General's home has hosted lovely Barbeque evenings with Rahman and American Jazz wafting in the air as guests mingled over hot dogs and samosas.
El Salvador's Consul General Dr Yashwanth Venkatraman is someone who truly knows to throw a stylish party and alongside promote the tourism of the place. Tony Lobo along with his wife Vinola are the go-to people for advice on all things Schengen and Spain in particular. Tony tasked with being the representative of Spain as a Consul General is often spotted at high-end fashion events encouraging socialites and businessmen to a night of Sangria and Spanish movies.
Japanese Consul General in Chennai Minagawa in the past along with his Vietnamese wife also used to be seen roller-skating with friends as his wife sat in their verandah and hosted exquisite high tea events. Even till date the Japanese Consulate hosts some of the best sit-down dinners that are a cultural melange of spicy South Indian and succulent Sushi.
Thailand's diplomatic representative in Chennai Jittima is often the belle of the ball at high-octane Chennai events. Her fancy evening gowns are what fashion designers watch out for. The Park Hotel's Darshini Ashok, says, "At all our hotel events we engage with Consular Corps and it's a pleasure hosting them over fine wine and dinner. Most of them love getting to know the local flavours and accentuate city events with their culturally rich conversations. Most of our high profile local guests too request us at the hotel to invite Consul Generals and we have always been successful in bringing together friendships between people and countries."
While ambassadors and diplomatic staff are devoted to bettering bilateral relationships with the host country, the Consuls also bring a different flavour and texture to the city's social landscape. Thanks to their initiatives many hotels and night spots today host special thanksgiving nights with carefully curated menus. Some hotels celebrate the Queen's Birthday with careful guidance from the Deputy High Commission. And Thailand's delicacies are prepared and served after the consul general is first being invited and served a meal. Their inputs taken, most five star hotels put out their Thai food festivals and special Thai additions to their menus.
