Madras Week: U.S. Consulate General Chennai Celebrates Sister Cities Chennai and San Antonio
Chennai : U.S. Consulate General Chennai commemorated Madras Week by enhancing cultural understanding and appreciation between sister cities Chennai and San Antonio through a virtual tour of the two cities on Friday, August 20.
Storytrails storyteller Akila Raman led the historic Chennai landmarks tour for officials from San Antonio, the Rotary Clubs of San Antonio and Madras East, students, and history enthusiasts in Chennai. From the San Antonio side, Director of San Antonio World Heritage Office Colleen Swain shared San Antonio’s cultural heritage and festivals, plus notable landmarks such as the Alamo.
Welcoming representatives from both sister cities, U.S. Consul General in Chennai Judith Ravin said: “The virtual presentation on historic landmarks of San Antonio and Chennai is a gateway within the framework of their collaborative and robust San Antonio-Chennai Sister City relationship.”
Colleen Swain, Director of San Antonio World Heritage Office said: “Both Chennai and San Antonio are members of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network – Chennai for its music and San Antonio for its gastronomy. Yet, our similarities go beyond how both cities have stayed true to our history and heritage; both are thriving tourist destinations and top-ranked cities to live in.”
Steven Schauer, Director of San Antonio River Authority added: “San Antonio and Chennai share a special affinity for their waterways. As stewards of the 385 km-long San Antonio River, we promote nature-based solutions to slow and filter excess rainwater to reduce flooding and improve water quality. We also inspire residents of all ages to take action in their communities towards sustainability, and we provide for recreational use and public art opportunities along its course. I look forward to learning about how Chennai and San Antonio might cooperate in the future.”
Commissioner of Greater Chennai Corporation Gagandeep Singh Bedi, IAS also took part in the event and lauded the initiative.