Presentation on U.S and Indian Youth Policies

Vice Consul Mark Mishkin and students at the Rajiv Gandhi National Institute for Youth Development during the seminar

June 3: Consular Officer Mark Mishkin addressed about 40 post-graduate students at the Rajiv Gandhi National Institute for Youth Development on June 3, 2009. Drawing a comparison between the U.S. and Indian youth policies and criticizing both, Mr. Mishkin highlighted the need to focus on the “Efficiency, Effectiveness and Impact” of any policy to ensure that it is directed toward achieving the goal. He answered several questions from the students about the expectations of the youth policy of President Obama and his views on education policy to empower youth in America.  Citing several positive examples like the Peace Corps initiative and other innovative programs of past American presidents, Mr. Mishkin emphasized the need to maximize the impact of any program. The students from over 14 different states in India were motivated to think differently while drawing up future programs and policies.