“United We Serve” initiative one major focus of Michelle Obama's role as First Lady

“It’s been said that our true calling in life is where our hearts’ greatest gladness meets the world’s deepest need,” Michelle Obama said, acknowledging the increasing demand for volunteerism during this time of economic recession."

Webcast on "Volunteerism" July 8

USIEF’S Pre-Departure Orientation for U.S.-bound students

Indian students planning to attend university in the United States attended a pre-departure orientation program on July 2 at Mumbai’s World Trade Center, Centrum, Centre 1. The program, designed for students leaving for the U.S. in Fall 2009,  covered every aspect of settling in the U.S., ranging from what to pack before you leave, entry into the U.S, campus life, academic life, and socio cultural issues to specific information on banking, telephone connectivity and travel.

The U.S. Consulate General’s Consular Chief David Tyler addressed students on life in the U.S., on and off campus. He underlined the importance of a balanced approach in academics as well as extracurriculars. Wishing the 150+ students a tension-free and educational time in their respective campuses, the visa chief said Indian students were a positive binding force in the U.S.-India bilateral relationship. A panel comprising Fulbright scholars, consular officers, and Indian students also addressed the audience on all aspects of the U.S. education.

U.S. National Security Advisor General James L. Jones with his Indian counterpart M. K. Narayanan in New Delhi on June 26, 2009

General Jones visited India June 25-26 at the invitation of Mr. Narayanan. His visit is part of an ongoing effort by the Obama Administration to further strengthen and deepen the key U.S.-India partnership. NSA Jones also met with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Defense Minister A.K. Antony.

Farah Pandith appointed new U.S. Special Representative for Muslim Outreach

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton appointed Farah Pandith to serve as special representative to Muslim communities, in charge of a new office that is responsible for outreach to Muslims around the world. Special Representative Pandith, who immigrated to the U.S. from Srinagar, and her staff will carry out Clinton's efforts to "engage with Muslims around the world on a people-to-people and organizational level."

U.S. Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs William Burns Exchanges Views in Mumbai

During his visit to Mumbai on June 12, 2009, Under Secretary William Burns met private sector leaders in the business and NGO communities, exchanging ideas and discussing avenues for expanding the U.S.-India partnership across various sectors.  Under Secretary William Burns, Chargé d’Affaires Ambassador Peter Burleigh, and Consul General Paul Folmsbee met on the St. Xavier’s High School campus with volunteers who will soon begin their Teach for India assignments.  Teach for India, like a similar organization in the United States, Teach for America, engages volunteers to help students needing extra support to reach their full potential.

U.S. Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs William Burns says India is a crucial partner for the United States, June 10, 2009

After meeting with Indian External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna on June 10, U.S. Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs William Burns told reporters in New Delhi that India "is a major foreign policy priority for the United States" and a "crucial global partner for the United States in the 21st century." (More Photos)

Shobhaa De, Naina Lal Kidwai and Dr. Deepa Narayan Address Tackling Preconceptions About Poverty at June 8 Event

Dasra, Asia Society and the American Center co-hosted a panel discussion on “Breaking the Cycle: Sustainable Solutions to Getting Out and Staying Out of Poverty”, at the American Center on June 8, 2009. Dr. Deepa Narayan, former Senior Advisor in the Poverty Reduction and Economic Management Network of the World Bank, presented the findings from her recently published report, Moving Out of Poverty: Success from the Bottom Up. The panelists Ms. Naina Lal Kidwai, Group General Manager and Head of HSBC Group Companies, India, Mr. Anand Giridharadas, Columnist, International Herald Tribune and Contributor, New York Times and Ms. Shobha De, Columnist and Author, addressed some myths and prejudices about the poor, and discussed effective solutions for tackling their needs.

Live Viewing of President 0bama's Speech at American Center

President Obama’s speech offered the perfect capstone for this year’s pre-departure orientation for Seeds of Peace campers gathered in Mumbai.  Along with their parents and Seeds alumni, these high-school-age youth were stirred and inspired.  The Seeds were joined by invited media, youth exchange participants, local religious and community leaders, students, and poets.  Following the speech, Kamal Hasaan, Editor-in-Chief of Sahafat Daily, and LKauffman, American Center Director, led the audience in a discussion.  Mr. Hasaan described the speech as one of the best he had ever heard—he noted that the President did not sound like the usual leader of a powerful country, but rather a historian, a humanist, and a messenger of hope.  He hoped listeners around the world would agree to not be prisoners of the past.

Lecture by Dr. Douglas Young on Financial Crisis in the U.S.

Douglas Young, Professor of Economics, Montana State University, USA and Honorary Visiting Professor at the Indian Institute of Technology, Mumbai gave a lecture entitled “From to Main Street: The Financial Crisis in the U.S.” at the American Center on May 21. Dr. Young explained some of the reasons and ramifications of the current financial crisis in the U.S. and elsewhere, what it means for India, and key monetary, financial, and policy measures to protect economies from the repeat of a similar crisis in the future.  The event was co-sponsored by the Asia Society and a lively question and answer session followed the presentation.  During the first week of June, Professor Young will travel to Gujarat to interact with audiences in Jamnagar, Rajkot, and Ahmedabad.

Fulbright-Nehru Fellowships Available for Study in the U.S.

The United States-India Educational Foundation (USIEF) invites applications for the Fulbright-Nehru and other fellowships that provide grants to study, research and/or teach in the United States.  USIEF welcomes applications from students, college/university faculty, researchers, secondary school teachers, policy planners, administrators and professionals. For details visit www.usief.org.in