Media Release

Mangalore, Feb 28: Ratna Mukherjee, cultural affairs and exchanges advisor and Jagadish K, director, American Library, US Consulate, Chennai visited Sahyadri College of Engineering & Management for an interaction with staff and students of Sahyadri Educational Institutions on Thursday February 25. The Higher Education in US, Exchange Programmes and American Library Assistance were the areas of interaction.

Addressing the gathering, Ratna Mukherjee said that Higher Education in America works differently from the systems in other countries. The United States has a highly decentralized system that gives students a wide range of educational options from large universities to community colleges and to vocational and technical schools. The colleges and universities are mostly self-governing and have significant independence and freedom, she said.

Jagadish K briefed about the American Library and its facilities. He said that the American Library carries out a variety of activities aimed at promoting a better understanding of the policies, values, institutions and culture of the United States. In addition it has access to more than 10,000 titles on CD-ROM and through on-line databases.

Manjunath Bhandary, chairman, Bhandary Foundation who is a recipient of several fellowships including Eisenhower Fellowship awarded by the Eisenhower Foundation, Philadelphia, USA, shared his experience about the selection process for the fellowship. He added that the selection procedure is not an easy one. He also said that the Youth Exchange programme that he participated in US inspired him to start educational institutions.

Dr D L Prabhakar, principal and director, Sahyadri College of Engineering & Management was present on the occasion. Students and faculty members interacted with the delegates. A session of interaction with student leaders followed the programme.