Previous Consulate Programs Archives
October 2007
A Priceless Cultural Heritage
On October 29, the United Theological College (UTC) in Bangalore inaugurated its new digitized and microfilmed collection of palm-leaf manuscripts, rare books and other ancient documents. At the inaugural event, UTC Principal Rev. Dr. O.V. Jathanna recalled that just a year before Mr. David Mulford, U.S. Ambassador to India, personally presented a check for $35,000 and viewed, with noticeable excitement, some of the palm-leaf manuscripts that were to be part of the project.
Many of the documents had become, with age, brittle and fragile. They were virtually inaccessible to scholars and other readers because of the fear that when handled they would be damaged or destroyed. Steven Kerchoff, Information Resource Officer at the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi, speaking at the inauguration, noted that library staff that deal with rare manuscripts want to protect original documents and at the same time provide access to researchers. The UTC/Ambassador’s Fund for Cultural Preservation project accomplishes both of those objectives.
Public Affairs Officer Frederick Kaplan, Chief Guest at the inaugural event, said of the project: "This is not the cultural heritage only of India, but of humankind. If these works were to disappear, or be destroyed or forgotten, all the world would be poorer. We would know less about where we come from and who we are today. The knowledge we gain through preserving these texts is immeasurable."
School Focuses on Environment for United Nations Day
On October 26, 2007, Public Affairs Officer Fred Kaplan was the Chief Guest at the Environment Exhibition and United Nations Day celebrations organized by the Vidyodaya Matriculation Higher Secondary Academy, Chennai. Addressing more than 1000 children, teachers and parents, he spoke on climate change and the significant role of the United Nations in dealing with environmental issues. He told the students, “Your environmental exhibits and your study of the UN system show that you are preparing for the future. By educating yourselves about the planet and about international politics, you will be in a better position to safeguard the environment for yourselves and for future generations.” He distributed prizes to essay competition winners and inaugurated the students’ environment exhibition.
Local School Students Learn About Global Warming
On October 19, 2007, the Chennai American Library arranged a screening of an Inconvenient Truth” for more than 700 students and teachers from the Vidyodya Matriculation Higher Secondary Academy in Chennai. Introducing the film, Information Officer Wesley Robertson spoke on global warming, the U.S. government’ position on the issue and the duty of each individual to preserve the environment for future generations. “While governments can and will have a big impact on the environment, it is up to all of us to work together to be responsible caretakers of the world we live in.”
More: President Bush Participates in Major Economies Meeting on Energy Security and Climate Change
Chennai, October 17, 2007: The Government College of Fine Arts and Crafts and the United States Educational Foundation in India (USEFI) invites you to the “US-India Exchange Print Show 40/40” at The Roy Chaudrey Art Gallery, Government College of Fine Arts and Crafts, 31 E.V.R. Periyar Salai, Periamet, Chennai. The show is open for the public October 15-31, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday. (more)
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Steve Smith and Vital Information play to a packed house in Chennai. From left: Tom Coster (keyboard and accordion), Vinny Valentino (Guitar), Baron Browne (Bass) and Steve Smith (Drums). |
Jazz At Its Best
The all-star soul/jazz/funk/fusion super-group Steve Smith and Vital Information played to a packed crowd at the Sivagami Petachi Auditorium in Chennai on October 23. Drummer Smith and friends wowed the audience with pieces from their latest album, Vitalization, some incorporating Carnatic beats. A lot of the music was written by guitarist Vinny Valentino and keyboardist Tom Coster. Tom, formerly of Santana, pulled out his accordion for a tune that he wrote together with the famous rocker. Baron Browne, on bass, provided backbeat, lovely deep tones and charisma. After the concert, Steve mixed with the crowd, signing autographs for eager fans. Earlier in the day, the group joined local musicians in a workshop where fusion of East and West and traditional and modern became a reality.
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Tamil film star Poornitha is garlanded as PAO Frederick J. Kaplan looks on at the inauguration of four-day Festival of American Comedies co-sponsored by the U.S. Consulate General, Chennai, and the Indo Cine Appreciation Foundation (ICAF) on October 22, 2007. |
A Festival Of American Comedies
On October 22, Public Affairs Officer Frederick J. Kaplan, along with Tamil film star Poornithaa, opened a four-day Festival of American Comedies co-sponsored by the U.S. Consulate General, Chennai, and the Indo Cine Appreciation Foundation (ICAF). In his remarks, Mr. Kaplan lauded the productive and mutually beneficial relationship between the Consulate and ICAF. He said, “Over the last few years, and through festivals like this one, ICAF and the American Consulate have demonstrated their mutual commitment to quality cinema and promotion of the movie industry in both the United States and India.” Mr. Kaplan then introduced the first film to be shown, the 1950 classic “Father of the Bride” starring Spencer Tracy and Elizabeth Taylor, which, he noted, “has been remade but not matched.”
“Environment Quiz” Raises Environmental Awareness Among High School Students In Chennai
On October 10, 2007, PAS Chennai conducted its first-ever “Environment Quiz ‘07” to encourage students to look critically at environmental issues. 54 high school students from 27 schools in Chennai participated in the event held at the Consulate auditorium. Quiz master, CAO Ragini Gupta, put students through several paces, testing them on their knowledge of nature, ecology, biodiversity, climate change and other environmental topics. Al Gore’s documentary “An Inconvenient Truth” was screened and questions from the film were included in the quiz. The several rounds including written, oral and audio/visuals determined the top three finalists of the quiz. CG Hopper commended the students and distributed prizes to the winners – P.S. Senior Secondary School won the first prize, Padma Seshadri School the second and Kendriya Vidyalaya the third place.
Family Issues Are Not Just Women’s Issues
Working women and men gathered at Christ College in Bangalore on October 5th to exchange information and best practices via digital video conference with U.S.-based speaker Dr. Janelle Shubert of the Center for Women’s Leadership at Babson College, Massachusetts. The discussion focused on how to ensure that the culture of the workplace takes into account the demands of the family – and thereby supports both men and women’s continued climb up the corporate ladder. Organized by the American Consulate and the Indo-American Chamber of Commerce, Dr. Shubert also spoke on other factors that can create barriers to advancement for senior women managers and she provided concrete steps and strategies for how to break through this “glass ceiling.” Moderated by Consul for Cultural Affairs Ragini Gupta, Ms. Priya Chetty-Rajagopal, Founder, Women’s Business Council, Indo-American Chamber of Commerce, and Ms. Vidya Vinay from CISCO, the panelists cited developing detailed career plans, structured mentoring and training support and telecommuting and other non-traditional work schedules as ways to maintain the work–life balance. Video (Part 1) (Part 2) (Part 3)
High School Students In The Niligiris Get To ‘Know Us’ Through Quiz Competition
On September 28, the Consulate held a quiz contest for high school students at the Stanes Higher Secondary School, Coonoor, The Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu. Nine teams (3 students each from grades 10-12) participated in the “KNOW US” quiz which focused on American history, government, society, art, culture, sports, famous personalities and current events. The top three teams - The Lawrence School (1st prize); Stanes School (2nd prize) and Good Shepherd International School (3rd prize) - took home prizes that included MP3 players, flash drives, certificates and books on the United States. Quizmaster and Cultural Affairs Officer Ragini Gupta took the opportunity to speak to the audience which included school students, faculty and the media about Consulate resources, services and studying in the U.S.- More on Experience America...
Consul General Hopper Attends “World Peace Day” Celebrations
Chief Guest at the release of a music album on world peace by the 300 musicians of the group “Carnatica,” Consul General David Hopper stressed the importance of global peace initiatives on “World Peace Day” commemorated on Friday, September 21, 2007. Mr. N. Murali, Managing Director of The Hindu and president of The Music Academy joined Mr. Hopper on the dais. The program concluded with a concert featuring eminent local musicians, including Sangita Kalanidhi Dr. N. Ramani, Maestro Chitravina N. Ravikiran, Violin Mastreo Dr. Sriram Parasuram, Kalaimamani Anuradha Sriram, Vudhushi S. Sowmya, and young vocalists K.N. Shashikiran, P. Ganesh, Gayathir Girish and Santhosh Narayanan.
On September 17
th, 2007 the U.S. Consulate General in Chennai celebrated Constitution Day with a special reception hosted by Consul General David Hopper. Hundreds of guests enjoyed themselves at the Consul General’s residence, renewing friendships and making new acquaintances. The highlight of the evening was the singing of both the U.S. and the Indian national anthems. Consul General Hopper also gave a short speech praising the wisdom of the founding fathers who framed the U.S. Constitution.(
Click here for the text of his speech...)
Commemorating “International Girl Child Day” With Local College Students
On September 21, 2007, the U.S. Consulate organized a day long event in partnership with the Madras Christian Council of Social Service to mark “International Girl Child Day”. Students from 18 Chennai city colleges submit photographs on the theme, which were judged by well-known photographer P.C. Shreeram. Prizes were awarded to the top 5 entries. Consul General David Hopper welcomed the students, NGO workers, international volunteers and interns and Cultural Affairs Officer Ragini Gupta spoke on the importance of commemorating this day. A skit, a short film, and the sharing of experiences by rescued and rehabilitated trafficked women raised the students’ awareness.
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