Title - Innovation key for students: US ambassador to India Nancy Powell

LUCKNOW: Making her second trip to Uttar Pradesh since she was appointed US ambassador to India, Nancy Powell on Wednesday met chief minister AkhileshYadav, interacted with students and staff of Indian Institute of Management, Lucknow and hosted women leaders working to combat gender-bias and child labour."Every time I visit, I am impressed by how this historic city is home to some of the brightest young professionals who will shape the future of Lucknow and indeed India,"Speaking about economic cooperation, bilateral trade, and the challenge of creating jobs for young Indians and Americans, Powell, during her interaction with IIM-L students, encouraged them to pursue innovative solutions to challenges faced by both countries. "India's economic development has captured the attention of the United States," she said. Emphasising that the strength and growth of India and the economic relationship it shared with the US "catalyses the growth of our partnership", Powell said the education, social, cultural, and economic ties contribute to the US-India relations.On Wednesday, Powell also met with chief minister Akhilesh Yadav, a courtesy meeting following the first in August last year, where she had expressed a desire to increase US presence in UP and had said the country was interested in the various investment opportunities present in the state. She had also sought information on the UP government's priority sectors.

Powell also visited the Ehsaas children's shelter at Charbagh railway station, where streetchildren are provided education and vocational training. The shelter also works closely with the railway police on issues relating to child welfare.

Powell, during her visit to IIM-L, said the US sees India as a leading strategic partner and is keen to take the relationship further.

Acknowledging the need to promote the presence of women in the corporate sector, IIM-L director Devi Singh told Powell that the institute is taking concerted steps to increase the presence of women in the corporate sector as a result of which women comprise 40% of the student base at the institute.