India a global player, says US diplomat

India is not just a regional but an international player and there should be an effort to connect to its young people, US Charge d'Affaires Kathleen Stephens said Tuesday.

"India is not just a regional but also a global player. There should be efforts to reach out to young people here and also help them explore the world," Stephens said while launching the National Geographic Explorer Magazine at the American Center here.

She said National Geographic has taught several generations of America and other countries about the rest of the world.

"It is in the pages of the National Geographic that we learn about the rest of the world," Stephens said.

She said the launch of the magazine in India will be one of the ways "young Indians will explore the world".

Fran Downey, vice president and publisher of National Geographic Learning, said the Explorer magazine will be issued to a number of schools across India.

"Moving to schools is really an extension of all that we have been doing for years," Downey said.

He said National Geographic wants to have an impact on the curriculum in schools.

"We want to impact your curriculum by enhancing visuals. We will have the best photography possible for the students. We want them to become life-long learners," he said.

"The launch of the National Geographic Explorer magazine is aimed at introducing young readers in India to new scientific discoveries and environmental education," he added.