“ Friends of United States of America” – The Society formed to better the almost non existant relations between India and United States of America during 1970’s has come a long way from those dark days.
In an atmosphere which was then vitiated by fear and prejudices at the Government levels, well meaning friends of both the societies, decided to take the first steps in creating the people to people dialogue which could, over time, help in improving State level relationships and to bring them on par with the best bilateral engagements in the world.
Dr. Moturi Satyanarayana an eminent Parliamentarian of long standing and constituent assembly member, Mr. M. Bhaktavatsalam, former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Mr. V.C. Shukla, Mr. Vasanath Sathe former Ministers and Mr. K. N .Ranganathan, an early leader in the world of informal relationships, decided to form “Friends of United States of America” a Non Political, non-profit, social and cultural organization and have it formed as a society. It must also be mentioned that His Excellency Mr. Harry Barns, the then U.S. Ambassador to India and congress man Stephen J. Solarz put in their special efforts to help this.
Mr. K.N. Ranganathan is the first president of the society. The Tenure of the president is for 2 years and the current president is Dr. G. Viswanathan, Chancellor VIT University.
The primary aims and objectives of this society, if stated briefly, are as under:-
1 To forge people to people relations between the two Countries.
2 To act as a bridge between NGO and social organizations of both the countries and to help their bilateral dialogue.
3 Promote cultural exchanges between the two nations.
4 To provide a platform for Americans who have / are interested in, Indian Culture to enhance their knowledge of the local society.
5 The Charity Organizations in both the countries need the support of unbiased friends to help put across their efforts to either Country and this society provides the platform.
6 The various Consulates of United States of America in India are providing yeomen services both to visiting / resident Americans and to Indians going to USA. In this effort, this society has always provided a very active and helpful forum for them to reach out to the local society.
7 Several dignitaries from United States of America including Congressmen, Senators, Mayors and Ambassadors have found the society useful in reaching out to Indians and to the Indian Government and in fostering special initiatives like Sister City projects etc,.
The farewell party speech delivered by Chargé d’affaires, Mr. Al Thibault is a testimony.