US PLEDGES TO DEVELOP INDIA;

Madikeri March 18

United States of America is committed to develop ties and trade with India and president Bush’s recent visit has proved its intension, said David P.Hopper, American Consul general in Chennai.

Hopper was addressing the golden jubilee celebration of Mercara Darien association at Bharatiya Vidyabhavan premises here yesterday. Darien is small city in US, which has friendship link with Madikeri, the then Mercara since 1954. Appreciating the ties the two cities are continuing Hopper said that such relationships between countries would strengthen the bonds on a permanent basis.

Quoting Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s remark that Americans should discover India like Columbus discovered America, “ We began doing it “ said Hopper.

Stating that Indians are building new Global roads in expanding business, economical and human ties he hoped that India is capable of achieving the highest. Mentioning that India has already become a world leader in Information technology, hopper appreciated its significance achievement in science, agriculture and other fields. Stating that Indian economy is waking up to the Global need, he said US export to India has reached 15%, while Indian export figures have touched 50% to US. He said that US investors are encouraged to invest in India. He hoped that India would join hands with US in establishing democracy in Global level. We can make the world safer and peaceful by joining hands, he hoped. We shall face this challenge with a combination of the stability of Abraham Lincoln and passion of Mahatma Gandhi, he opined.

Frank Keen, who led the 17 member team from Darien stated that the younger generation should continue to strengthen the ties. Deputy Commissioner Subodh Yadav appreciated the effort by the twin cities and said that more and more cities should try to develop such relationshup to build a better world.

Mercara Darien president K.P.Uthappa said that their association has received a significance citation for over coming global distance.

Susan Hopper inaugurated the function by lighting the lamp. Dr.Anil Chengappa introduced the guests.

The team later visited Bharatiya Vidyabhavan – KV school. They interacted with opportunity section students and addressed the school.

Susan Hoper lighting the lamp.

THIEF HELD;

Police have captured a thief stealing jewelry from a house in south Kodagu, a month ago.

Ponnampet police alleged that a youth, Praksh had stolen jewelry worth rupees 24 thousand from the house of one M.K.Ghouse of Gonicoppa. Accused was now arrested from a house at Mysore. Jewlry and a motor cyscle were recovered from the accused. Investigation is on.