Press Releases 2009
"America Days" Launches in Western India
September 8, 2009
Mumbai -- The American Center, Mumbai is bringing a slice of American values, culture, education and society to the cities of Ahmedabad, Bhilai, Indore, Nanded, Raipur, and Ujjain through "America Days". From September 8-18, American diplomats will travel to these cities in western India to promote mutual understanding and nurture common interests. Throughout India, American diplomats will be traveling to 23 cities during this time period.
"America Days is another way to celebrate the growing bilateral relationship between the U.S. and India. Both of our democracies enjoy a rich and vibrant relationship that is premised on mutual respect and shared values. Relations between our two countries are stronger than they have ever been. The recent Secretary of State visit has further endorsed people-to-people ties as well as diplomatic relations," U.S. Consul General Paul Folmsbee said, emphasizing that programs like "America Days" help to promote mutual understanding.
The diplomats will meet with university students, academics, the business community, NGO representatives, and the general public in each city, dialoguing with all on a variety of topics, including climate change, higher education in the United States, and volunteerism. Scientific data collection kits will also be distributed to several schools in as part of the Global Learning and Observation to Benefit the Environment (GLOBE) program. GLOBE was started in India in 2000 when an agreement was signed between the U.S. Embassy and India's ministry of environment. Schools equipped with these kits collect scientific data that is used in global scientific research. Through the process of collecting the data, the students learn about science and the environment, making the important connection between their daily lives and global issues.
As part of the America Days festivities, which coincide with the fifth anniversary of the American Corner in Ahmedabad, Acting Consul General David Tyler has presided over an anniversary celebration program in Ahmedabad September 7-9.