Mall-goers 'Experience America'

Quiz on US, ice cream eating, poetry reading contest mark day-long events

 From answering trivia to eating ice cream, 'Experience America' proved to be a promising experience to Mangaloreans.

US Consulate General (Chennai) decided to give the port city, a peek into the American life. As a result, variety of fun activities unfolded at City Centre Mall on Saturday.

The programme kicked off with American Embassy (New Delhi) Minister Counselor for Commercial Affairs Judy Reinke cutting the ribbon for a day's activity of fun and frolic.
This was followed by a trivia contest, with Cultural Affairs Officer Shanna Surendra testing the knowledge of people in the mall about America.

However, Mangaloreans proved that they are truly from the city known to be the cradle of education. They shot up their hands and answered most of the questions and walked away with attractive prizes.

A poetry reading competition brought together all the poetic spirits. Many used their creativity and read out their literary compositions.

However, the ice cream eating competition received an overwhelming response. Many registered to the competition but 10 people were selected through a lucky dip.

The competitors were made to eat a tin of Baskin Robbins in shortest time possible.
The mall-goers were also given information with regard to studying in USA and obtaining Visas.Brochures from American Universities were distributed to interested students and they were also informed about the US India Educational Foundation (USIEF).

An exhibition was also put up by the American Library and many signed into Facebook and liked the Chennai US consulate page.

Cut-out of US President Obama was also put up, giving people an opportunity to pose with the man who wished to bring in a change.

Inaugurating the programme, Judy Reinke said that she enjoyed the Mangalorean experience. "We met educators, students and also set up a American Business Corner at KCCI. Mangalore and Manipal over the years have emerged as higher education and business hubs of South India. We hope to strengthen our partnership with the beautiful port city," she said.

Chennai Consulate Public Affairs Officer David J Gainer said that Experience America aims to strengthen the people to people bond. “With American Business Corner, we hope to oragnise at least four activities in Mangalore every year,” he said.

However, to a query on opening a US Consulate in Bangalore, he said that there are no plans as of now. It is a diplomatic process and may take place if government of each country agreed, Gainer said.