Press Releases 2008

AMERICA DAYS: U.S. Consulate General Brings America to Indore’s Doorstep

February 2, 2008

Indore -- The American Center, part of the Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Consulate, Mumbai, in cooperation with Devi Ahilya University and Holkar Science College, has organized “America Days” —a three-day event highlighting America’s culture, traditions, politics, and education—in Indore from February 4 to 6, 2008. 

“America Days” will be inaugurated by U.S. Consul General Michael S. Owen and Vice Chancellor of Devi Ahilya University Dr. Bhagirath Prasad on February 4, 2008 at the Devi Ahilya University Auditorium at 7 pm.  Sharing the dais with the Consul General and Dr. Prasad will be Mr. Vivek Agarwal, Collector, Indore and Dr. Narendra Dhakad, Principal, Holkar Science College.   A noted American bansuri artist, Steve Gorn, will perform at the Inauguration at the conclusion of the formalities.  The public is cordially invited to attend the Inauguration, as well as the rest of the events.

With “America Days,” the U.S. Consulate General aims to introduce Indore audiences to its resources, as well as to engage in dialogue on topics of interest to both American and Indian audiences.  Yashwant Hall will serve as the nerve center of  “America Days”.  Visitors will be able to peruse more than 1000 books, periodicals, videos, and DVDs from the American Library, Mumbai on topics such as social sciences and humanities, business and economics, environment, law and legislation, and life and culture in the United States.  In addition, there will be a United States Education Foundation in India (USEFI) representative on hand to provide information to students interested in pursuing higher studies in the United States.

A series of public lectures will be conducted at Holkar Science College, Devi Ahilya University, and a number of other institutions.  These lectures will address topics ranging from English language learning skills, intellectual property rights (IPR), business and management, women’s issues, U.S.-Indo relations, good governance, English literature, and sustainable development.  A detailed program listing all lectures is attached and can also be accessed at http://mumbai.usconsulate.gov/html.

A flute recital and play will serve as the cultural highlights of America Days.  On February 4, well-respected bansari artist Steve Gorn will perform at Devi Ahilya University as part of the Inauguration festivities which commence at 7:00 pm.  On February 5 at 7:00 pm at the same venue, Avirat Troup will perform “Death of a Salesman”—by noted American playwright Arthur Miller—in Marathi.

As Elizabeth Kauffman, Director of the Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Consulate General, noted in her press briefing on February 2, “America Days is about bringing America to the people of Indore.  American and Indian staff  members, exchange visitors, and friends of the U.S. Consulate General look forward to dialogue with people of Indore in different walks of life, sharing perspectives on the issues we face in our respective countries.  Our library exhibit, films and lectures will offer insights into how Americans view our common interests and challenges.  We hope our music presentation will strike a chord in the universal language of music, and that our presentation of a classic American play will resonate with audiences in Indore.  Dialogue and mutual understanding are the principal aims of this event.”

Entry to all “America Days” programs if free and open to the public.  Yashwant Hall will be open from 10:00 am – 7:00 pm on February 4-6.  A schedule of events can be found at http://mumbai.usconsulate.gov/indore.html or can be picked up at Yashwant Hall during its opening hours.