'American Corner' opened at St Francis Women's College

• A This new centre offers information about political, economic, cultural, educational and social trends in the US A
• Under Secretary Wendy Sherman inaugurated it

Hyderabad: Denizens of twin cities can have a little slice of America from here on courtesy of a new centre that had come up at St. Francis College for Women in Begumpet. Wendy Sherman, UnderSecretary for Political Affairs, United States on Saturday launched the first 'American Corner' centre in the State and seventh in the country.

US Ambassador to India Nancy J Powell, US Consul General in Hyderabad Katherine Dhanani, Sister Philomena Thomas and Sister Alphonsa Vattoly of St Francis College also graced the occasion. The American Corner is a joint collaboration between the US Consulate General, Hyderabad and St. Francis College. Addressing a gathering consisting of students, alumni of the college and the staff of US Consulate office in Hyderabad, Sherman expressed hope that American Corner would help in bringing together both the countries through person-to-person relations. "It could not be more appropriate to inaugurate this new centre in a women's college because of the government's emphasis on education of women and their empowerment. However, men and women can avail the facilities to get accurate and up-to-date information about political, economic, cultural, educational and social trends in the United States," she added. In her introductory remarks, Ambassador Powell stated that American Corner would provide a window on life and culture in the United States. Powell pointed out that she was very impressed with rapid growth and diversity of Hyderabad. Replying to a query, Katherine Dhanani informed that the decision to shift American Corner from Osmania University premises (original choice) to another location was a mutual decision by both parties. American Corners are dedicated information spaces hosted in schools, libraries and other partner institutions that help introduce visitors to different aspects of the United States, including its culture, politics, society and more. By providing a multinational platform for public diplomacy programmes and offering access to print, multimedia and other materials, the American Corners help maintain open dialogue and build bridges of understanding. There are around 400 American Corner centres worldwide with India accounting to seven of them including the newly inaugurated Hyderabad branch. The other cities in India having similar centres include Lucknow, Patna, Guwahati, Ahmedabad, Chandigarh and Bangalore.