US aims to allay visa fear to raise Indian student strength

"Particularly, for the students planning to go to America for study purpose I would say American center shall do everything possible to address the doubts and misconceptions related to seeking US visa," said Thompson interacting with the press at XLRI.

Thompson, who was here to take part in the Experience America festival, a daylong event organized by the American Center at Father Prabhu Hall in XLRI, to showcase the huge opportunities available in the US for all sections of the society, appeared overwhelmed by the response.

"The queries put forward by the participants mostly revolved around the field of higher education in the US and matters related to visa norms," said Thomson adding that currently one lakh Indian students are pursing higher education in the US in different fields.

Responding to a specific question, Thompson said two incidents of violence against Indian students had taken place in the US in 2011 but the US government was concerned about such incidents. "I assure you particularly to the parents that such violent incidents cannot be tolerated in the US."

For Americans, India is the third popular country in Asia and 14th in the world to visit for any given purposes. He said currently 2,300 American students are pursuing higher education in India.

The consul general, who arrived in the city on Thursday, visited Tata Steel, Timken and Tata Cummins during his two-day trip.

"Eastern part of the country, particularly Jharkhand, has enough possibilities in the field of mining, coal and energy," said Thompson wrapping up his visit to the manufacturing companies. He said India and the US could come closure on variety of subjects and foster growth through mutual cooperation.

The American festival evoked good response with young students aspiring to fly down to US for higher studies later in their career take part in various categories of the events. American Center director Jeffrey K Reneau was also present.

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