“Make Chai Not War” Comes To Mumbai (January 17,2012)

January 17, 2012

Mumbai -- “Make Chai, Not War” is a showcase of three Indian-American comedians – Rajiv Satyal, Azhar Usman, and Hari Kondabolu – who talk about religious tolerance, breaking down prejudices, and their experiences growing up as Indian-Americans in the United States. They toured India from January 4-18, performed and held events in various cities across the country. In Mumbai, they conducted a workshop for aspiring comedians on January 17 and will perform on January 18 at the Y.B. Chavan Auditorium, Nariman Point.

The comedy showcase has been sponsored by the U.S. State Department. “While comedy is not a traditional form of diplomacy, it is one way in which the State Department works to find commonality among all cultures – even through laughter.  The State Department is committed to using all forms of diplomacy, including comedy, to open the doors of dialogue and create opportunities for greater understanding,” says Anne E. Grimes, Public Affairs Officer, U.S. Consulate General Mumbai.

As the two largest democracies in the world, the United States and India share a number of interests and values, including respect for open conversation about the vibrant cultures. Indians are very interested in the United States and the experience of Indian-Americans is an item of particular interest. There are over 100,000 Indians currently studying in the United States, and the Indian diaspora community in the U.S. is one of the most vibrant in the world.

“It is important for us to reach out directly to Indian audiences that may have inadequate information about the United States.  This group uses humor to start discussions about respect for diversity, religious freedom, and a variety of other issues that are of great importance to both the United States and India,” adds Kapil Gupta, Information Officer, U.S. Consulate General Mumbai.

The “Make Chai Not War” stand-up comedy show will be held on Wednesday January 18 at 8 p.m. at Y.B. Chavan auditorium. Entry is FREE on a first come, first served basis. More details about the event: www.facebook.com/amcentermumbai/events.

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