The first of the three-day ‘Experience America' programme on Wednesday featured talks, discussions, screening of an Oscar Award winning film, and a speech competition that sought to make students learn more about higher educational opportunities in the U.S.
A speech competition on the theme: ‘Indo-U.S. Relations will be one of the defining partnerships of the 21st century', that followed the formal inaugural session at the Bishop Heber College saw about 20 student participants from arts and science, and engineering colleges in the district delve deep into the common interests the two biggest democracies in the world share, and the synergy that would ensure sustenance of their leadership on the fronts of technology and economy in the decades to come.
In his inaugural address, the Director of Indian Institute of Management – Tiruchi, Prafulla Agnihotri, advised students to grab opportunities to visit U.S., which, he described as a great land of fascination and opportunities. Referring to the number of patents it has, he said the U.S. was a centre of knowledge and research. There was nothing wrong in copying positive factors like professionalism, mutual respect, and exercise of liberty – freedom with restriction. “Learn as much as you can from the U.S., but get back to India to transfer the benefits of knowledge and experience,” said Dr. Agnihotri.
Presiding over, the Principal of Bishop Heber College Rev. Dr. Manoharan was confident that the programme would serve as the basis for synergy between the two countries. The programme will offer all great things, including quality higher education and business opportunities, the U.S. has to offer, said Anand Krishna, Information Officer, U.S. Consulate General, Chennai.
Mr. Anand Krishna andConsular Officer Brykyta Shelton judged the speech contest.
Making a presentation on ‘using social media to get a job', Asha Beh introduced the concept of ‘video resume' to the participants, and Search Engine Optimisation techniques.
Discussions on Entrepreneurship and Educating Women and Girls were organised at the college and Bharathidasan University respectively. Under the aegis of the United States-India Educational Foundation, a presentation on ‘Higher Education in the United States' was made. Oscar award winning film ‘Up' was screened at the Holy Cross College.
