US welcomes Indian students, prepares for PM Singh 

It’s official. Once again - for the eighth consecutive year - Indian students top the rankings as the largest student body among foreign students studying in the U.S. The number of Indian students exceeded one lakh (103,260), according to the Institute of International Education’s annual Open Doors report.  Announcing the 2009 Open Doors numbers at a press conference, U.S. Ambassador to India Timothy J. Roemer said, “The record number of Indian students studying in the U.S. is concrete evidence of the strength and depth of our connection. (more)

American 3D Artist Tracy Lee Mesmerizes Hyderabad

Artist Tracy Lee Stum created stunning 3D chalk drawings in front of University of Hyderabad’s DST Auditorium as art students from various colleges lent helping hands, November 16.  Tracy taught them how to work from a grid, to draw perspective and use colors to give the appearance of depth.  Around the parking lot the students tried their hands at their own 3D pictures.  At the end of Monday, they left tired but satisfied and looked forward to returning to finish their works and see Tracy’s completed. (more)

Public Affairs Officer clebrates children's day with Nirman Association for the Intellectually Challenged

In celebration of Children’s Day, Public Affairs Officer Juliet Wurr spent a morning with residents of Nirman Association for the Intellectually Challenged, Hyderabad, November 14, 2009.  The association provides a sheltered workshop and living facilities for its 30 residents.  Anil Kumar Darpalli, selected by the Special Olympics to spend three months in the U.S. as a Eunice Kennedy Shriver Fellow in 2009, is the energy behind this welcoming home; he was inspired by his younger brother's needs.  Volunteers, including from the local community and the staff provide stimulation and emotional warmth to the residents.

Public Affairs Officer reaches out to school children

Students at Little Flower High School peppered Public Affairs Officer Juliet Wurr with questions when she spoke there, November 13.  Ms. Wurr asked the students to describe Indian youth—what they like, how they relate to their families and what they think of the future.  She then shared recent data about American young people.  Although there are differences,  American and Indian youth share likes and dislikes.  It’s not surprising that the United States and India, two diverse and democratic countries, are such strong allies.  Oh, and lots of the Little Flower students hope to study in the U.S. in the future.  Ms. Wurr encouraged them, saying study in the U.S. offered choice and quality.

Community College initiative goes on air 

Rainbow 101.9FM hosted Public Affairs Officer (PAO) Juliet Wurr and Cultural Affairs Specialist (CAS) Salil Kader on November 11.  Topic for the show?  The Community College Initiative Program—a USG scholarship for young adults who have not had an opportunity to attend university.  During the show, callers asked about this full one-year scholarship in an American community college and wanted to know who was eligible.  The show’s hosts, Chitra and Nayeem, using a fun mix of Hindi and English, asked lots of questions about community colleges.  Click here for more information about the program.

Your Voice. Your Video 

Create a video short that completes the phrase "Democracy is…" and send it by January 31, 2010. Win exciting price that includes getting exposure to the U.S. film and television industry and a chance to meet with creative talent, democracy advocates and government leaders. Enter Now! 

SPAN turns 50

SPAN magazine will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2010 and Consulate General Hyderabad is looking forward to a special celebration with readers of the iconic magazine.  Meanwhile, Span's writers are preparing some very special anniversary issues.  They'd like to hear from families who have been reading the magazine for three generations or more. If you and your family members are old readers of SPAN, share your experiences ! E-mail SPAN on editorspan@state.gov.

Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs speaks to students in Hyderabad

Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs Janice L. Jacobs told an audience of students from St. Mary’s College, November 9, 2009, that study in United States offered Indian students the opportunity to widen their horizons. (more) 

U.S. reaffirms relationship with Osmania University

Osmania University (OU) and the United States have a long history of cooperation.  Generations of Indian professors studied at the American Studies Research Center (ASRC).   Although Osmania University Center for International Programs(OUCIP) replaced ASRC the strong ties between the University and the United States remain, and with the involvement of the new U.S. Consulate General in Hyderabad, has received new energy. (more) 

U.S. Officials Continue to Visit Hyderabad; PDAS Moon Latest Visitor

The stream of U.S. Government officials visiting the newest U.S. Consulate General in India continues.  From the U.S. Department of State, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asian Affairs Patrick Moon spent the day in Hyderabad, November 5, 2009.  Like others before him, he wanted to hear from Consulate staff about setting up operations so quickly. (more)