Press Release 2012
Hyderabad | August 09, 2012
Consulate Hosts Iftar for Students
American diplomats from the U.S. Consulate General Hyderabad hosted an iftar for the students of MESCO Grade School in Malakpet on August 9, 2012.
American officers and Muslim students enjoyed the opportunity for cultural exchange. While many of the American officers have participated in iftars before in the U.S. and in Hyderabad, they were eager to deepen their understanding of Ramzan as they chatted with the students and helped cut up fruit.
For many students, this was their first time meeting Americans. They were eager to learn about American culture and festivals. One Muslim-American talked to students about how American Muslims celebrate Ramzan in the United States. The students also had the opportunity to learn about American culture through an exhibition of American art. They even tested their knowledge of U.S. culture by taking a quiz on U.S. geography, cuisine and holidays.
“This is more than an iftar. It’s an opportunity for cultural exchange,” said Carla Benini, Public Affairs Officer at the U.S. Consulate. “American officers are learning about Ramzan and tasting the famous Hyderabadi haleem, and the students are learning about American culture, including the culture of American Muslims, who are practicing Ramzan in the U.S. just like Muslims in Hyderabad.”
At the end of the evening, the Americans went home with a deeper understanding of Ramzan, and the students had made their first American friends.