Press Releases 2008

AMERICAN CORNER IN PATNA CELEBRATES FIRST ANNIVERSARY WITH DAY-LONG PROGRAMS ON AUGUST 12

 

August 12, 2008

PATNA -- The American Corner at Patna observes its first anniversary through a series of scintillating programs on August 12, 2008.  Since its foundation, the American Corner, a joint venture with Bihar Industries Association (BIA), has become an icon in the historic city that is evident with growing interest on American arts, culture, and higher studies in the U.S.

According to Mr. Douglas G. Kelly, Director, American Center, Kolkata, “The Mission of the American Corner in Patna is to build bridges of understanding between the United States of America and India.  It is a partnership between the Public Affairs Office at the US Embassy, New Delhi, and the Bihar Industries Association.”

The inauguration at the BIA premises will be marked by ceremonial lighting of the lamp and addresses by different dignitaries including Mr. K.P. Jhunjhunwala, President, BIA, Mr. Vivek Singh, Secretary, Department of Art, Culture and Youth Affairs, Mr. Shashi Shekhar Sharma, Secretary, Public Health Engineering, Government of Bihar,  Mr. Ujjwal Choudhury, Commissioner of Income Tax, and Mr. Kelly.

A special feature of the day-long programs will be the formal launching of the Exchange Alumni Association by Dr. Y.D. Prasad at the inaugural session.  This will be followed by an inter-college debate on “The American Culture Has A Positive Influence On Indian Youth.” In the afternoon, there will be a “Sit & Draw” competition for the school children as part of the anniversary celebration. The highlight for children, of course, will be a “Go As You Like” competition for students in kindergarten classes. Students of higher classes will participate in an essay competition with “America: Through Your Eyes” as the theme.  The festivities will conclude with a “Sham-E-Ghazal” with Indrajit & Barnali Ganguly at the Ma-Radhike Banquet Hall, Om Vihar Complex (Opposite Raj Hotel, Patna.)

The American Corner maintains a collection of more than 600 books and periodicals as well as DVDS and videocassettes related to English Language Teaching, Education, U.S. politics, society and culture, and some reference materials. On the occasion of First Anniversary, the corner enriches its collection by another 162 publications.