ACTIVITIES & EVENTS DURING THE YEAR 2008
- July 29, 2008: Education Americana Nite 08
The American Alumni Association flagship event, the Education Americana Nite, 2008 was held at the JW Marriott, Mumbai. This year the AAA awarded grants of Rs.50, 000/- each to 22 needy students to help them pursue higher studies in the United States.
U.S. Consul General, Paul Folmsbee was the Chief Guest of the evening and we believe that this was his first public event after he resumed office in Mumbai. Dr. Saryu Doshi and Elina Meswani were the guests of honor at the event.
Airline tickets to exotic destinations courtesy Singapore Airlines were auctioned at this event and funds in excess of the reserve price go to build the AAA corpus.
Our sincere thanks to our donors:
The Shri Lalchand Hirachand Premier Trust
The JW Marriott Mumbai
The Walchand Foundation
Mr. Nadir B. Godrej
Mr. Vijay Raheja
Mr. Kishore Mehta - The ABOK Group
Mr. Mudit Jain - Shriyans Prasad Charitable Trust
Mr. Jaitirth Rao
Mrs. Beena Yargop
Mr. Hasit Dani
- June 24, 2008: The AAA special at the Blue Frog
The AAA had a Special Evening at the BLUE FROG for its members, and families on Tuesday, June 24, 2008, 8:30 PM - 12:00 AM – The highlight of the evening was Live music performance by Distil Soul (Funk, blues & jazz). The AAA got a special entry fee waiver courtesy the Rolling Stone magazine.
A few responses:
“Great experience & the band was fantastic” – Akhil Shahani
"Great ambience and did not have to wait long to get our drinks :-)" – Sahil Parikh
“The venue was brilliant; our table comfortably seated 8 - 9 members. So, seating was well organized such that a good number of people were seated together” - Amulya
“It was a great evening--Enjoyed the food, music & ambience. AAA should organize more such fun evenings” - Nimo Punwani - May 30, 2008: A special Screening of "The Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull"
A special Screening of "The Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull" was organized for the AAA members, on the day of its release in India. This was organized at the Inox, Nariman Point on May 30, 2008 at 7.30 pm.
There were 50 people present at the screening, including the members, their families and friends. It was a great time of fun, fellowship, and entertainment. - SPLASH 2.0 that was scheduled for March 30, 2008 is now postponed to a date that will be notified to you in the future.
- March 30th, 2008: Splash 2.0 by Aquasail.
SPLASH is back by the popular demand of several AAA members and spouses that couldn't attend the Jan 27th Splash - Learn to Sail event and that attended the sailing event the first time.
If you are interested, please sign up as soon as possible, BEFORE TUESDAY MARCH 25, 3PM. You will need to make a payment of Rs.2,000 per participant. Children above the 8 years are permitted, however, a knowledge of swimming will be required. This time we are planning to charter a private boat to and from Mandwa, however, in case the turnout at the event is lower than what is budgeted, the private charter may not be possible and a commercial ferry will be used.
You can make the payment either:
(i) by paying online using your credit card at:
http://americanalumni.net/member_forms/donation.php or
(ii) by sending a cheque to American Alumni Association to 1-C, Vulcan Insurance Building, Veer Nariman Road, Churchgate, Mumbai 400 020.
Once you have enrolled, we will communicate the exact time to reach Gateway of India for the ferry. Please feel free to email american.alumni.association@gmail.com for any questions. If you have specific questions about the splash program for the AAA, please contact Sandeep of the AYSF at 99876-81826. - February 15th, 7pm onwards: Cocktail Reception at the U.S. Consulate General lawns celebrating 40 years of service to American Alumni. Live fusion music concert by The Brown Indian Band.
Look out for details in your email inbox. Please purchase your donation passes for the event for Rs.500 per member (Rs.1,000 per couple) by clicking on the DONATE button on the left. You can use your credit card on our secure payment gateway. You may also send your cheque for donation passes to the AAA office. Please note that reservations are registered only after you have paid and you have an email or a paper receipt for your payment. You will receive the invitations via courier / hand-delivery after the payment is made. Please make sure to carry this invitation with your photo ID for security reasons. - January 27th, 2008: SPLASH Event organised by the Aquasail Youth Sailing Foundation!
As promised, we have another fun, outdoor activity planned exclusively for the AAA! You will get a chance to learn how to sail, ride kayaks in the sea, and manoeuvre a catamaran! Join fellow AAA members and their families for a Sunday afternoon of fun in the sun. The event is being organised by the Aquasail Youth Sailing Foundation.
Please note that there are limited number of vacancies available as the AYSF have a limited number of skippers/trainers and they have to maintain a certain ratio of trainers to trainees. If you are interested, please sign up as soon as possible. You will need to make a payment of Rs.500 per participant. Children above the 8 years are permitted, however knowledge of swimming will be required.
You can make the payment either:
(i) by paying online using your credit card at:
http://www.americanalumni.net/member_forms/donation.php or
(ii) by sending a cheque to American Alumni Association to 1-C, Vulcan Insurance Building, Veer Nariman Road, Churchgate, Mumbai 400 020.
Once you have enrolled, we will communicate the exact time to reach Gateway of India for the ferry. Please feel free to email american.alumni.association@gmail.com for any questions. If you have specific questions about the splash program for the AAA, please contact Sandeep of the AYSF at 99876-81826.
Hope to see you all there! Stay dry... . - January 20th, 2008: Mumbai Marathon - Show your Support to the AAA!
If you haven't registered yet but are interested in participating in the 7km Dream Run/Walk, register for the marathon online, please visit: www.scmm.indiatimes.com. Please make sure to send an email to Dinesh at aaa@iaccindia.com once you have registered online so that he can add you to the list of runners supporting the AAA.
ACTIVITIES & EVENTS DURING THE YEAR 2007
- December 7th, 2007, 6PM at At The East India Co. : Relevance of Mahatma Gandhi's Philosophy in Today's World.
A very unique opportunity to interact with Shri Tushar Gandhi and understand whether Mahatma Gandhi's philosophy has relevance in today's world. To make this event interesting, it will be held at a venue that will take you back to the colonial epoch, with the antiques showcased by The East India Co. -- yes the same one, established in 1600AD. - September 21st, 2007, 8/9PM at Metro Adlabs: The Bourne Ultimatum - AAA Movie Special on Release Day!
Rs.200 per ticket prior to Tuesday, September 18, Rs.200 per ticket thereafter. Make your bookings with Dinesh Mehta at 2282-1413, AAA office. - September 7th, 2007: University of Washington Business School meet with American Alumni Association
The University of Washington (Seattle) business school students were in Mumbai headed by faculty member Mr. Rick McPherson.
Mr. Hemant Sonawalla of Hinditron Group of Companies organized a High Tea Function alongside of AAA and IACC.
The function was attended by twenty four students and four faculty members. Mr. Sonawalla started the show by talking to the all the students about the present business situation in India. The similarities between the two countries. One of the similarities being that both countries face violent acts of terrorism. Mr. Sonawalla also stated how India has now emerged as one of the most sought after countries of the world today for future investments and business.
Then AAA President, Pritam Doshi took to the mike, introducing AAA. He explained to the students the history of AAA. One of the main reasons for starting this organization was for the networking of returning alums from the US to get together after returning to India.
Mr. R. K. Chopra introduced IACC to all.
There were scrumptious snacks served. Ritu Advani interacted with some of the students, and also met Andrea a staff member of UW who is interested in Student Exchange Program with the Business Schools / Entrepreneurs of India. Any takers? Do let Ritu Advani know.
After tea, Kruti Parikh, a 23 year old engineer, a world known magician who is in the Guinness Book of Records, had a mind boggling show for all to witness! One of her main theories, she stated ,was how with complete focus and concentration we could read anyone's mind.That is a lot of hardwork!
UW plans to be back next year again, that would be their third consecutive visit! - September 7th, 2007, 6PM: The American Center Auditorium, Buildling Bridges of Understanding, Lucia de Garcia.
- July 23rd, 2007: Education Americana Nite, Celebrating 25 Years of Student Grants, held at the JW Marriott Hotel, Juhu, was a grand night consisting of awards presentation, a charity auction, cocktails, dinner and dancing. 19 deserving students will be awarded student grants of Rs.50,000 each by the guests on stage and sponsorsn that included:
US Consul General Michael S. Owen
Dr. Mrs. Indu Shahani, Dean - HR College of Commerce & Economics
Dr. Mrs. Aditi Govitrikar Lakdawala, Mrs. World 2001
This year the AAA raised over Rs. 20 lacs for its philanthropic efforts. A big thank you to all of AAA's sponsors and supports! - Jun 17th, 2007: AAA Wrooooms at the Liquid Lounge
When around 70 AAA members, spouses and friends got together to much-awaited U.S. Grand Prix (Indianapolis) on a rainy Sunday (June 17th), there was much fanfare, cheering and camaraderie in the air.
Talk about networking being fun! Nothing beats watching the speed crunchers on a great big screen, with the all-American fare we have all experienced at some point of time in our lives. Burgers, fries and Kingfisher beer, anyone? A big cheer for Hutch and U.B. Breweries for sponsoring the event!
Photos: http://www.americanalumni.net/about/
- Feb 8th, 2007: AAA seminar on US Education / Visas / PIOs for US bound students /entrepreneurs at Bharati Vidhya College, Vashi, Mumbai.
- Feb 8th, 2007: "American Alumni Roundtable" to be held at "The Club", a private screening of a Brazillian film "City of God", Juhu Link Road, Andheri.
- Jan 21st, 2007: SCB Marathon - AAA members and friends to participate in the Dream Run.
ACTIVITIES & EVENTS DURING THE YEAR 2006
- Dec 7th, 2006: "Thirsty Thursday" at the "The Club", Andheri accompanied by an interactive talk by Dr. Pratima Rajan on heart disease, its risks and prevention.
- Dec 14th, 2006: "Thirsty Thursday" at Starters & More Restaurant at 6:30PM.. Talks by Ms. Leena Prabhoo (Health & Fitness Trainer) on "Symbiotic Relationship of Physical & Mental Health". Also a brief introduction on "Catharsis of the Soul" which aims at enhancing the Emotional Quotient of individuals.
- Nov 16th, 2006: "Thirsty Thursday" Dr. Aspi B. Surveyor will be conducting a talk on "Miracles of the Human Mind" (The attitude of the human mind in one's day to day life plays a vital role, bringing in its wake, joy & happiness or stress or sorrow. Science and technology are advancing at a stupendous space in the new millennium, but in its wake have apparently put a pressure or stress in one's life. At ?Starters and More" Churchgate.
He was a Fulbright Scholar, a Teaching Fellow at the Univ. of Pennyslvania, an Examiner at several universities and an Expert Advisor to various Govt. bodies and Commissions. He was also an Inspector for Dental Colleges on behalf of Dental Council of India and various Universities. . He has a private practice restricted to Oral Medicine and Radiology.
Dr. Surveyor has authored several poems and plays. He has produced, directed and acted in his plays. He excels in the game of Chess, being the National Open Champion in 1969 and has won against two Russian Grandmasters in Simultaneous Chess in 1964 & 1981. But his outstanding achievement is when he won the National Correspondence Chess Championship five consecutive times, Spanning 10 years and was placed on the data on file of the Guinness Book of Records. - Nov 6th 2006: A Concert of American Music - Eleanor Valkenburg (soprano), Christine Matovich (pianist, piano) soprano at St. Andrews Auditorium.
- Oct 19th, 2006: "Thirsty Thursday" an interactive talk on Websites and Web design by Sahil Parikh.
- Oct 6th, 2006: A lecture/discussion on "New Avenues of Value Addition to India Bioresources: The Role of Biotechnology" on Friday, October 6, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the American Center auditorium, 4, New Marine Lines, Mumbai 400 020. Dr. Desh Pal Verma, professor of plant cellular and molecular biology, the Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, led the lecture/discussions.
- Sept 30th, 2006: A concert "Unity in Diversity". A festival of Jugalbandi, American Ghazals, Kuchipudi & Kathak dances.
- Sept 24th, 2006: "Sunday at the Club" a picnic hosted by "The Club". A family event filled with fun, food, music and sports.
- Sept 16th, 2006: AAA were invited by Boston Alumni Association at their annual meet at the Taj Hotel.
- Sept 6, 2006: Visit from University of Washington, Bothell students. AAA organized a visit to "Bollywood" movie shoot for the students & faculty. The students met some top movie starts. AAA, along with Hinditron and IACC hosted "High Tea" for the university faculty and students.
- Aug 11th, 2006: A Flute Concert by Lyon Leifer (accompanied by percussionist (Tabla) Balakrishna Iyer at the American Center. Lyon Leifer is an American Flutist who has studied both Western & Hindustani classical Music and performs widely in both forms. Trained in flute at the Julliard School of Music, Based in Chicago, where Mr. Leifer is a leading flutist in Western classical musical circles, he has also performed and offered master classes in the U.S and internationally.
- Aug 8th, 2006: The documentary of "Mr. Dreyfuss Goes to Washington" followed by a discussion with its co-producer, Akram Elias, in the American Center auditorium.
"Mr. Dreyfuss Goes to Washington" is the story of the history and people of America, told through an in-depth study of the monuments and symbolism of Washington D.C., and how these monuments represent the actual design and fabric of the city. Akram Elias will also talk more about U.S. values and the principles of democracy in his presentation on "America's Democracy, Civil Society and Culture." Akram Elias is the Founder and President of Capital Communications Group, Inc, Washington D.C - July 24th, 2006: The 24th Annual AAA - STUDENT GRANT AWARDS were held at "Joss" Restaurant at Kala Ghoda (The 18 Students received their grants that evening from AAA). US Consul General Mr. Michael Owen was the Chief Guest. Mr. Charles Correa & Mr. Jaitirth Rao as Guests of Honor. Many corporate entrepreneurs and educational professors attended the awards function from educational institutions. The function was also attended by AAA members, Travel grant students along with their families and US Consulate section. The selection committee who participated in the selection of the academically, bright and needy students to continue their students in the US.
- June 15th, 2006: Football World Series at "Starters & More" Restaurant.
- June 06th, 2006: The topic for this month's program is "India and the U.S.: Where We Are Now and Where We Are Going" led by Linda Cheatham, Director, American Center, Mumbai.
The U.S.-India relationship has undergone a remarkably positive transformation over the past several years, and the achievements made in the past year have been arguably the most dramatic of all. As we approach the first anniversary of the historic July 2005 visit of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to the United States, Ms. Cheatham will review recent developments both in the public and in the private sectors. As well as their implications for even closer and more varied ties in the future.
- May 2006: Launch of the Book "Gateway to India" by Past President Dr. Arun Vakil at IMC wing.
- April 2006: US AAA Representative, attended Mumbai Monday at the American Centre, Monday evening (24th April) Consul General, Michael Owens shared information about the newly announced "Transformation Diplomacy" that The Secretary of State introduced to the State Department and the world in early 2006. Changing the process by which Diplomatic activities and assignments are carried out, State Department employees are now mandated to not just report on happenings in and around their posting site, but to get out from behind their desks and support the principles of democracy. By working with local partners to find out what is needed and how the US can better facilitate change in line with local needs.
- April 06th, 2006: A documentary film on "Louis Kahn", one of USA's world class architects. The film was presented at the American Center. The screening of "My Architect", a biography of one the worlds most respected architects Louis I. Kahn. My Architect is a tale of love and art, betrayal and forgiveness - Louis I. Kahn is considered by many architectural historians to have been the most important architect of the second half of the twentieth century.
ACTIVITIES & EVENTS DURING THE YEAR 2005
- November 14th, 2005: Presentation by Dr. Howard H Stevenson, Professor Harvard University at American Center Auditorium, Mumbai.
ACTIVITIES & EVENTS DURING THE YEAR 2004
- October 30th, 2004: Thirsty Thursday AAA & IMC's Young Entrepreneurs' Wing on "The Future Of Retail" by Mr. Kishore Biyani, Mg. Director, Pantaloon Retail, Mr. Shravan Shroff, Mg. Director, Shringar Films, Mr. B S Nagesh, Mg. Director, Shoopers' Stop, Mr. Krish Iyer, Mg. Director, Piramyd Megastore & Mr. Arvind Singhal, CEO, KSA Technopak at the The Liquid Lounge, Mumbai.
- October 29th, 2004: The Club hosted Oktoberfest Bavarian Festival (One of the famous around the world, originated in Munich) along with Lufthansa, Bajaj Allianz & Thomas Cook at the Club, Mumbai.
ACTIVITIES & EVENTS DURING THE YEAR 2003
- October 12th, 2003: AAA Family Fun Day Unlimited Swimming, Bowling, Tennis, Video Games, Pool, Table Tennis, Food & FUN at Bowl-O-Drome " The Club", Mumbai.
- September 26th, 2003: Six on Six -Get together at Mr. Sameer Shah's Residence, Mumbai.
- August 21st, 2003: "Thirsty Thursday" party at Karma Lounge, Mumbai.
- August 11, 2003: AAA & IMC's Young Entrepreneurs' Wing a Seminar on "Connecting to the Indian Youth" by Mr. Titoo Ahluwalia, Chairman, AC Nielsen ORG-MARG, Mr. Prahlad Kakkar, Ad Filmmaker, Mr. Alex Kuruvilla, Mg. Director, MTV India, Mr. Hemant Sachdev, Director- Marketing, Bharti Tele-Ventures (Airtel) & Ms Anuradha Sengupta, Editor, CNBC Storyboard at Walchand Hall, IMC Building, Mumbai.
- August 06th, 2003: AAA's Travel Grant Award Function at Crystal Room, Taj Mahal Hotel, Mumbai. The Chief Guest, Dr. Patangrao Kadam complimented AAA for the great work being done in the field of counseling, guidance, and helping needy students with financial aid by giving travel grants. US Consul General Mr. Angus Simmons gave away the Travel Grants & applauded AAA with the excellent work being done in the field of Education & Counseling, he mentioned this was one of the best associations he has known and acknowledged that the US Consulate and AAA worked closely. Mr. Dalip Verma, Managing Director - Tata AIG complimented AAA for the invaluable work being done in the field of Education with a great sense of commitment & sincerity. The Co - Sponsors of AAA Travel Grant Awards were TATA AIG & TAJ Mahal Hotel.
- July 23rd, 2003: AAA & IMC's Young Entrepreneurs' Wing discussion on "Monsoon Hope: Rainwater Harvesting & You" by Mr. Karun Srivastava, Municipal Commissioner of Greater Mumbai, Mr. Niranjan Hiranandani, Chairman, Hiranandani Constructions, Mr. Ajay Narayanan, Head-EnvironmentGroup, Infrastructure Development Finance Co. Ltd, Mr. R K Srinivasan, Chief Engineer, Centre for Science & Environment & Mr. Vikram Singhani, GM -Manufacturing, Asian Paints Ltd. at IMC Committee Room, IMC Building, Mumbai.
- July 17th, 2003: "Thirsty Thursday" party at the Liquid Lounge, Mumbai
- June 23rd, 2003: AAA & IMC's Young Entrepreneurs' Wing to discussion on " The Art of Making a Deal-the 3K Approach to Financial Services" by Mr. Nimesh Kampani, Chairman, JM Morgan Stanley, Mr. Hemendra Kothari, Chairman, DSP Merrill Lynch & Mr. Uday Kotak, Executive Vice-Chairman & Mg. Director, Kotak Mahindra Bank Ltd. at Walchand Hall, IMC Building, Mumbai. . Mumbai.
- June 16th, 2003: Talk on "Gujarat Style Politics: Will This Soon Be Coming To Maharashtra?" by Ms. Teesta Setalvad at American Center Auditorium, Mumbai.
- Thursday, June 12th, 2003: AAA & Indo-American Society a Symposium on "Ambulatory Surgery at All Ages & All Stages" at Lincoln Auditorium, Kitab Mahal, Mumbai by Dr. B R Shah, Hon Surgeon & Urologist, Bhatia General Hospital & Dr. Vivek Rege, Consultant Pediatric Surgeon, Breach Candy & Hurkisondas Hospitals.
- April 23rd, 2003: AAA & Indo-American Society a public awareness lecture on "SARS: A New Life-Threatening Lung Infection" by Dr. A Mahashur, Head Department of Respiratory Diseases, P D Hinduja Hospital at Jai Hind College Auditorium, Mumbai.
- April 23rd, 2003: Presentation on "The Folks at Jazz India" by Mr. Ahmed Ebrahim at American Centre Auditorium, Mumbai.
- March 21st-22nd, 2003: Charity Show of the play "Untitled" at Sophia Bhabha Hall by Ms Lushin Dubey.
- Monday, February 20, 2003: "Fitness Fun Party" at Gold's Gym, Garden View, Mumbai.
- February 12th, 2003: IMC Young Entrepreneur's Wing & American Alumni Association Meeting with British Minister of Small Business, Nigel Griffith at IMC Building Churchgate, Mumbai.
- January 10th, 2003: Annual Social Dinner at ITC Maratha Sheraton, Mumbai, The Master Distiller of Jack Daniels', Jimmy Bedford, will be in India for the first time ever. He is in Mumbai for one night only and we have the proud privilege of playing host. Jimmy is a celebrity in his own right. His programs are regularly covered on TV and in the press in America and in Europe. He is respected as one of the few real masters of the art of whisky making in the world. He is blessed with this uncanny ability to pass on his immense knowledge with effortless ease to his audience at his Master Distillers' Tasting. Jimmy has consented to doing an exclusive tasting session for.
ACTIVITIES & EVENTS DURING THE YEAR 2002
- December 18th, 2002: 31st Annual General Meeting and Presentation on "Crisis in Market Capitalism: The imperative not to over-react" by Chief Guest, Mr. Jaithirth Rao, Chairman & CEO, Mphasis-BFL Ltd., Past President, AAA & Recipient of Economic Times Entrepreneur of the Year 2001-02 Awar.


