Offices and Departments

Cultural Affairs

In an effort to promote mutual understanding between the people of India and the United States, the Office of Public Affairs manages a series of professional exchange and speaker programs in which Indians and Americans share ideas and experiences on many issues, ranging from international security to economic reform, environmental protection, intellectual property, AIDS prevention, democracy and human rights. One of the largest programs, the International Visitor Program, invites current and future Indian leaders to the United States to engage in an intensive round of professional meetings and consultations with their American counterparts. U.S. speakers to India, including government officials, scholars, journalists, and business and labor leaders offer lectures, seminars and workshops at the American Center and at cooperating institutions around south India. Such Indo-American dialogue also takes place via live, interactive discussions on the Worldnet satellite system and other telecommunication events at the American Center.

The Office of Public Affairs also supports a broad range of activities undertaken by related organizations that promote professional, academic, and cultural relations between the people of India and the United States. It assists the bi-national Fulbright Commission, established in 1950 as the U.S. Educational Foundation in India (USEFI), and advises the institutions which make up the South India American Studies Network.

In addition, like the cultural missions of other countries, the Office of Public Affairs sponsors activities in traditional areas such as the performing and visual arts and literature, in cooperation with many private organizations and donors.

Inquiries should be directed to the Program Section at the Office of Public Affairs.