A Call for Service and Interfaith Understanding

Student volunteers clean the Hobart school playground clearing overgrown grass and shrubbery

In conjunction with the celebration of Gandhi Jayanthi and in response to U.S. President Obama’s call for a day of service to foster understanding and collaboration through interfaith and other service in commemoration of the anniversary of the tragic events of September 11, 2001, over 300 student volunteers along with consulate staff led by Consul General Andrew Simkin cleaned and beautified Chennai’s Government Hobart Higher Secondary School for Muslim Girls, creating a new assembly and sports area for the school. The volunteers cleaned the playground, painted the open-air auditorium and donated new sports equipment to the school.  Chennai’s first citizen, Mayor Subramanian and the school’s Principal Leader inaugurated the new facility by hoisting the Indian National Flag. Hobart students pledged to keep their school campus more student and environment friendly, following the singing of Indian and American National Anthems. Held on October 1, the eve of Gandhi Jayanthi, the event brought members from “Harmony India” an interfaith organization, the local administration, school and college children and consulate staff to volunteer their services at this school for underprivileged Muslim girls and make a visible difference.

To receive information about future Consulate programs e-mail ChennaiPASprograms@state.gov