NY Consulate holds ‘Year of India’ reception

NEW YORK: The Consul General of India, New York hosted a reception on September 20 at New India House in recognition of the “Year of India” celebrations by Queens College of the City University of New York. Over 100 guests comprising high level officials of Queens College, select members of the Indian American community, media persons and others attended the event.
Queens College is one of the premier public educational institutions in the United States with commitment to global education. From the year 2010-11, the college introduced the “Year Of” program starting with: ‘Year of China’ followed by the ‘Year of Turkey’ celebrated in 2011-12. Year 2012-13 has been dedicated to ‘Year Of India’ with a wide range of India centric activities which include lecture series on Indian polity, economy, society, exhibitions of Indian art, cultural programs, film shows etc.
Commending the initiative put forth by Mr. James Muyskens, President of Queens College, in organizing the “Year of India'” 2012-13, Consul General of India, Mr. Prabhu Dayal spoke about the recent acceleration in the Indo-US relationship. In the last decade, the visits of President Clinton in 2000, President Bush in 2006 and President Obama in 2010, reflects India’s stature in the comity of nations and the growing strength of relationship with the United States, he said.
He further stated that constructive cooperation between India and the US has taken place in the recent years on the Prime Minister of India’s national commitment in the areas of 5E’s namely Economy, Education, Energy, Environment and Empowerment, and other key areas including innovation and technology.
Recognizing the excellence achieved in advancement of higher education by the United States, education sector has been included in the Strategic Dialogue process which began with the first Higher Education Summit held at Washington DC on October 2010.
He informed the audience about the legislation relating to entry of foreign universities to set up campus in India is under active consideration of the Indian Parliament. Marvelous institutions like Queens College must take advantage of the education process that the two countries are now set to build for mutual benefit particularly in the area of high end research, he added.
Speaking on the occasion, President James Muyskens, fondly remembered stories about India from his relatives during his childhood. He marveled at the spectacular progress India has achieved as one of the fastest growing economies in the world today, while preserving its rich culture and tradition. He further stated that the college which was founded in 1937 provides first rate education to more than twenty thousand students of diverse cultures from over 170 nations. The “Year of India” celebration is very special as it is being held in the year of the 75th Anniversary of the College, he said.
The highlight of the evening was a spectacular Odishi Dance performance by Ms. Bani Ray followed by an enthralling sitar recital by the artists of the Kalawant Center of Music and Dance founded by Ustad Kader Khan. The audience were overwhelmed by the cultural presentations and the artists received continuous applaud and a standing ovation.
The program concluded with a dinner reception.