Speeches and Remarks

OFFICIAL TEXT 

January 31, 2012  

Remarks by U.S. Consul General Jennifer McIntyre at Hilal Welfare Trust, Mysore 

As Prepared Text 

As-Salam-Alaikkum. 

I am honored to be at here today at the Hilal High School in Mysore. 

I am very impressed with Hilal Welfare Trust’s vision to empower these young students by providing them with quality education that will open several doors of opportunities to pursue higher education and later have successful careers.  

I am thrilled that the U.S. Consulate General Chennai through its Access program is working with you to give these wonderful children a strong foundation of English language skills which will, along with their regular studies, lead to stronger and critical thinking skills and increased self confidence.  

In a globalized world that we live in today, it is important for young people like you to communicate effectively in English so that you have more opportunities available to you in the future  – whether that future is in India or the United States or anywhere in the world.  

Very soon all of you will pass out from school and will look for admission into a good college or university for higher education.  

With good English communication skills, you have more chances of getting admission in the best educational institutions in India or wherever you want to pursue your studies. 

These same English language skills will play a big role when you start looking for employment in the field of your choice.   

I encourage the students here today who have completed their 2 year Access program and will shortly be receiving your “Completion Certificates” to please continue to enhance your English skills constantly.  

Please remember that when you succeed, you bring happiness and glory, not just to your families,  but also to your teachers, your community and your country.   

English as a language has played a key role in the deep friendship, respect and understanding that United States and India have for each other. There are more than a 100,000 Indian students who are studying in the United States and many more thousands who travel and work there.  

One of the reasons why the Indians and the Indian American community in the U.S. is doing so well is because of their exceptional English language skills. 

I have no doubts  that many of you in this room today will travel to the United States sometime in the future.   

Access is a groundbreaking program that opens doors for young people as they learn a language and leadership skills that will serve them a lifetime.  

I sincerely thank the team at Hilal Welfare Trust, especially Mr. Rahman for working with us to add to your efforts  in educating these wonderful children. 

We value our friendship with you and look forward to continuing our relationship with the Hilal Welfare Trust in the future.  

Shukriya.