A Diplomatic Love Story, a Cultural Bridge, and a Radio Room Full of Heart – Ambassador (Ret’d) Michael Pelletier
By Somdatta Basu
In a sunlit Houston studio, the May edition of the IACCGH Business Hour on Open Forum unfolded not as a typical radio segment, but as a heartfelt, often humorous journey through diplomacy, diversity, and human connection.
This month’s special guests were none other than Ambassador (Ret’d) Michael Pelletier and his wife, Sujatha — fondly called Suja. With the warmth and candor of old friends, they joined the hosts of Open Forum to share stories of foreign service, family and falling in love in Madras (now Chennai).
Ambassador Pelletier, who began his career in 1987, served across continents—from France and Ghana to India and Madagascar. He has been a steadfast presence in U.S. foreign relations, appointed as Ambassador to Madagascar and the Union of the Comoros in 2019, and now plays a leading role at the University of Houston as Executive Director of the Institute for Global Engagement.
But what truly captured listeners was not just his resume — it was the personal narrative that humanized the profession. The ambassador recalled meeting Suja at a literature event in Chennai. Sujatha, then a student at Stella Maris, remembered him as “the uncle in plaid pants” — not exactly love at first sight. Yet, through handwritten blue inland letters and the gentle rebellion of destiny, their story blossomed.
With grace and humor, Sujatha spoke of carving her own space as a diplomat’s spouse —eschewing high-society luncheons for curated cultural excursions with fellow embassy families. She also proudly emphasized retaining her Indian citizenship throughout their journey, a choice the U.S. State Department respected.
Their sons, both born in Chennai, reflect their parents’ cultural duality. “One son is a proud Texan,” Sujatha laughed, “he says he’ll never leave Houston.” The other? A global soul who embraced the moves.
Ambassador Pelletier candidly shared the challenges of diplomacy — especially navigating the COVID-19 crisis in Madagascar after the U.S. withdrew from the WHO. It was a test of leadership, coordination and compassion, and a powerful reminder of the quiet responsibilities carried by diplomats worldwide.
What stood out most was how grounded the couple remained despite their global exposure. Michael’s Tamil may have drawn puzzled glances, and his chapati-making skills may be a contested subject at home, but together, they’ve built a life rich with meaning, curiosity, and service.
They also expressed admiration for Houston’s cultural fabric — and the city’s many Indian restaurants.
The program wrapped up with IACCGH Founding Secretary and Executive Director Jagdip Ahluwalia joining the call, praising the ambassador’s work with UH and reaffirming the Chamber’s intent to collaborate further on education initiatives with India. He called the session “one of the most enriching Open Forums to date.”
And it was.
It wasn’t just a diplomatic debrief — it was a glimpse into a marriage of minds, a celebration of shared roots, and a reaffirmation of what IACCGH’s Open Forum does best: connecting hearts across continents, one Saturday at a time.