Vinod Bhat
New Delhi: Shri Manohar Lal, Union Minister for Power and Housing & Urban Affairs, who is in Houston, USA, to participate in the G20 Energy Abundance Ministerial Meeting, undertook a series of engagements on September 13, 2026, reflecting India’s cultural connect with the diaspora, commitment to environmental responsibility and expanding India–US cooperation in emerging areas.
Shri Manohar Lal attended (13.09.2026) the event to mark Hindi Diwas 2026 organised by the Consulate General of India, Houston, in collaboration with the International Hindi Association – Houston Chapter. The gathering celebrated the richness, inclusivity and vibrancy of Hindi and brought together Hindi enthusiasts from across the region. Shri Manohar Lal addressed the gathering and appreciated the efforts towards promoting Hindi and strengthening cultural ties between India and the Indian diaspora.
During his visit to the Consulate General of India, Shri Manohar Lal planted a tree under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ initiative. The plantation also marked the beginning of Swachhata Hi Seva 2026 at the Consulate, as part of the national campaign being observed with the theme “Swachhata Mein Sahbhag, Swachh Bharat, Viksit Bharat”, reinforcing the values of public participation and environmental responsibility.
During the day (13.09.2026), Shri Manohar Lal also visited NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston. He undertook a tour of the facility and held discussions on opportunities to further strengthen India–US collaboration in the space sector. Shri Manohar Lal thanked Mr. William T. Harris, President and CEO, Space Center Houston, for the warm welcome and for personally guiding him during the visit.
In the evening (13.09.2026), Shri Manohar Lal attended a public reception organised by the Indian diaspora at India House, Houston. A diverse cross-section of the community, including professionals, entrepreneurs, students, cultural leaders and representatives of regional associations, participated in the reception. Consul General Shri D.C. Manjunath welcomed Shri Manohar Lal and expressed appreciation for his interaction with the Indian diaspora during his visit for the G20 Energy Abundance Ministerial Meeting.
Meanwhile, the Haryanvi community, represented by HARIT, also interacted with Shri Manohar Lal. The Minister lauded the strong and enduring people-to-people ties between India and the United States and the valuable contribution of the Indian diaspora to the economic, cultural and social fabric of the country.
The engagements on September 13, 2026 reflected the multifaceted dimensions of India–US relations, encompassing G20 cooperation, cultural and people-to-people ties, environmental responsibility and collaboration in advanced technology and space.
Over the next three days (14-16 September 2026), the Minister will participate in the G20 Energy Abundance Ministerial Meeting which brings together Ministers and senior representatives of G20 members to deliberate on key issues relating to energy security, affordability, accessibility and the evolving global energy landscape. India’s participation underscores its commitment to constructive international cooperation and advancing solutions for secure, reliable, affordable and sustainable energy.
