A Guest From Arkansas-USA

Group Study Exchange (GSE) is a program sponsored by the Rotary Foundation of Rotary International that enables young people in the early stages of their careers to participate in a month-long cultural and vocational exchange. Since 1965, more than 57,000 individuals (almost 12,000 teams) from 100 countries have participated. For each exchange, the Rotary Foundation matches two Rotary districts from different parts of the world. Team members learn about the host country's culture and institutions, observe how their vocations are practiced abroad, and establish personal and professional friendships. Team members are hosted by Rotarians and live with host families. Teams make a number of presentations in the Rotary events, participate in vocational visits and enrich with guided tours to places of interest.
In January 2009, the Rotary International District 3150, Andhra Pradesh, India [ I belong to Rotary Club of Secunderabad West in this Rotary District] has received a GSE reciprocal team from Rotary District 6150, Arkansas State, USA. Our Club has hosted on 23-25 January, 2009 this GSE team consisting of three women [non-rotarians] and a Rotarian team leader. I have hosted Mrs.Karen Pallone, a veterinary surgeon belonging to Rose Bud [ 200 families live in this town ] near Little Rock city, the capital of Arkansas State in USA.
I have arranged a guided tour for Mrs Karen to the college of Vetenarary sciences in Acharya N G Ranga Agricultural University in Rajendra Nagar, Hyderabad. I accompanied her during the 3 hour guided tour in this massive Institution wherein Mrs.Karen interacted with students, teaching faculty and visited the University exhibition. We have also visited the Charminar [ the prestigeous symbol of Hyderabad as seen in the photo in this blog ] followed by a shopping at Lepakshi -the state owned handicrafts shoppe.
My family has got an excellent opportunity to know more about Arkansas in USA and their culture. As Arkansas is a picturesque place, it is called The Natural State. Bill Clinton the former President of America [who visited Hyderabad in 2002] hails from Arkansas. The world's only diamond park open to the public where one can prospect for and keep any stones found in this park. Mrs. Karen presented us a book "Picture Arkansas" + the country Flag + a pen set with insignia of their State Governor's signature + Lapel pins of the State etc., During the farewell party to the GSE team by our Rotary District Governor Rtn. Dr. Sarat Babu, the impressions and experiences of team members as written in our Club's Guest Book include the words of Mrs. Karen...
"SURYA has been an amazing host & seen that all my dreams & mission in India have been completed before I leave. It has been an amazing journey, I will not forget. Thank you all."
I must thank Rtn Raghava Rao & Rtn Harikrishna -our Rotary District chairs for GSE teams for providing us a wonderful opportunity to host GSE team member from Arkansas-USA.