GUWAHATI, Feb 25 � US Ambassador to India, Peter Burleigh today inaugurated an American Corner in the city�s Darwin School of Business, which will fulfil the needs of people seeking information about the United States.
The first of its kind facility in India�s North East is housed in Darwin�s campus on the RG Baruah Road and will be administered by the American Centre, Kolkata.
Opening the corner, the Ambassador said that the facility will enable the growth of more ties between the people of the region and the US. He said that his country is dedicated to open up dialogue as much as possible, and also described the corner as �a tool for expanding knowledge on the United States�.
The corner will be a platform to expose visitors to a range of cultural, educational, literary and other events and personalities. It will have books, DVDs, and a variety of publications on the US, and will be accessible to all.
Burleigh, who had represented the US in the United Nations in senior positions, said he was impressed by what he had seen during his recent visit to Assam. He noted that great developments have taken place in the State since his earlier visit in 1973, adding that the transformation taking place can be exciting or stressful.
Responding to a question, the US diplomat was hopeful of more ties between public and private entities in his country and their counterparts in Assam. He acknowledged biodiversity protection, climate change, and renewable energy as sectors where exist prospects for partnership or US support.
Consul General, Dean Thomson who was present on the occasion, said substantial US support has already been provided to activities involving environmental protection in and around Kaziranga National Park. The US Fish and Wildlife Service provides financial aid for conservation of several species of the park.
A press note issued on the occasion mentioned that the American Corner is the best place to access current and reliable information about the United States. It serves as an �information outpost� similar to a public library reference service. Currently, 300 American Corners serve the public in Africa, Europe and Asia.
Earlier during his trip, the Ambassador visited the Numaligarh Refinery and interacted with engineers and technicians. He was also able to meet students and academics in Tezpur University and Rajiv Gandhi University in Itanagar.
