Chennai, June 23: Marking the 250th anniversary of American independence, the United States used its National Day celebrations in Chennai to send a strong message of deeper engagement with India, with U.S. Ambassador to India Sergio Gor declaring that America was “open for business” and eager to elevate bilateral ties to the next level.
Addressing a gathering at the U.S. Consulate General’s National Day event on June 22, Ambassador Gor said the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi, the Consulate in Chennai and American officials across India stood ready to work with people and institutions throughout the country to further strengthen cooperation.
Highlighting the growing strategic partnership between the two democracies, U.S. Consul General in Chennai Mariana L. Neisuler and Tamil Nadu Minister for Public Works and Sports Development Aadhav Arjuna underscored the vast potential for collaboration in emerging technologies, engineering, innovation and sports.
A key attraction of the evening was the unveiling of a new Space Experiential Learning Center, which will be permanently housed at the American Center in Chennai and opened to the public next month, reflecting the increasing focus on science and technology outreach.
The celebrations also featured performances by the Brass Ensemble of A.R. Rahman Foundation’s Sunshine Orchestra, while Alisha Mathew Thayil rendered the national anthems of India and the United States. Adding a splash of colour to the occasion, Chennai’s iconic Ripon Building was illuminated in red, white and blue to commemorate America’s milestone 250th birthday.
