Mr. Shivnath, student editor of the college journal, interviewing Mr. MacDonald. Mr. Joseph Pavamani, lecturer, MIC, looks on.

American writer inspires South Indian audiences following the Jaipur fest

American author Michael MacDonald interacted with South Indian audiences in a series of lectures and discussions between February 4-6, 2009 in Chennai, Mangalore and Manipal. He met with literary experts in Chennai and shared his experiences as a writer. Interacting with students St. Aloysius College and the literature club of Mangalore University, he spoke about growing up in his South Boston neighborhood. He also read excerpts from his book All Souls: A Family Story From Southie. Mr. MacDonald then travelled to Manipal where he had discussions with the students and faculty of Manipal Institute of Communications. He focused on the nuances of race and culture in America and stressed the role of literature in healing and social change.

US President's message on the occasion of India's Republic Day

January 25, 2009 - As the people of India and people of Indian origin in America and around the world celebrate Republic Day on January 26, I send the warmest greetings of the American people to the people of India. Together, we celebrate our shared belief in democracy, liberty, pluralism, and religious tolerance. (more)

President Obama sworn in as the 44th President of the United States

Moments after taking the oath, President Obama gave his first speech as president, known as the Inaugural Address. He spoke not only to Americans, but to millions across the globe who closely watched the 2008 campaign, election and transition.

• Inaugural Speech  
• Biography
• Click here for the Tamil version of the Inaugural Speech

One of New York City's best DJ’s to mix it up in Chennai!

Internationally acclaimed DJ Rekha from New York City presents “Basement Bhangra” in Chennai – a musical journey that combines traditional South Asian bhangra music with today’s dance, Bollywood and hip-hop beats!  New York magazine has called her “New York’s best DJ.”   DJ Rekha’s monthly Basement Bhangra party in New York City is celebrating its 11th anniversary this year.  Rekha is New York City's “unchallenged goddess of the buoyant, bombastic South Asian style, a breathtaking surge of Bollywood sentiment and hip-hop bravado,” according to The Village Voice.  This tour is the first since the launch of Rekha’s first CD:  DJ Rekha Presents Basement Bhangra.   DJ Rekha collaborated with an array of artists including Wyclef Jean, Panjabi MC, and Bikram Singh on this album. For performance and workshop schedule, please click here. 

Popular in dance clubs around the world, DJ Rekha has been called a “roving music ambassador.”  Almost single-handedly responsible for popularizing bhangra and Bollywood music with the general public in New York City and throughout the U.S., DJ Rekha’s masala mixes underscore the connections – cultural, philosophical, but mainly human – between India and the United States.

U.S. Consulate celebrates the inauguration of President Barack Obama

In keeping with Marghazi season, the U.S. Consulate General and Chennai citizens celebrated the inauguration of President Barack Obama as the 44^th President of United States with an interactive concert featuring ‘Chitravina’ Ravikiran, Anil Srinivasan (piano) and B.S. Purushotham (kanjira). The concert was interspersed with excerpts from Barack Obama’s book Audacity of Hope and explored how the terms “change” and “hope” are relevant in the Indian context. Mr N. Ram, Editor in Chief, The Hindu shared his views on Obama’s inaugural address and Consul General Simkin distributed the prizes to the winners of the “Guess the Electoral Vote contest” held on November 4 and 5, 2008 on the eve of the U.S. election. The program concluded with a reception that brought together students, young leaders, cultural icons and other celebrities who discussed U.S. democracy and its new leadership, the peaceful transition of power between opposing political parties and the significance of the new U.S. administration for India.

American Library at the Chennai Book Fair

People from across Chennai will attend the annual Chennai Book Fair at St. George School from January 8^th through the 18th.  The book fair has over 600 stalls with books and materials for all ages.  Please come and visit the American Library’s stall which has a sample of the books and resources the library has to offer.  In honor of the occasion, book fair visitors will enjoy special reduced membership rates and giveaways.  The American Library stall is located at 387/288 in the book fair. Hope to see you there!

Hours of operation are between 2:30pm – 8:30pm during working days and 11:00am – 8:30pm on Holidays. 

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