The U.S. Consulate General in Mumbai marked the 80th anniversary of Dosti House, formerly known as the American Center, a historic hub for cultural exchange and intellectual engagement.
Since its inception in 1944 as the U.S. Information Services (USIS), Dosti House has served as a space for knowledge sharing, cultural exchange, and dialogue for generations. The event featured a photo exhibition chronicling its transformation into a modern American Space.
Gloria Berbena, Minister Counselor for Public Diplomacy, highlighted the significance of Dosti House in fostering U.S.-India relations. “As we reflect on the remarkable journey of Dosti House and other American Spaces, we look ahead to a future where these hubs of innovation and cultural exchange continue to drive collaboration between the United States and India. We invite you to join us in building Dosti House’s legacy and to continue to write the evolving story of U.S.-India relations through your participation in Dosti House programs,” Berbena said.
The evening’s highlights included testimonials from patrons like poet Rochelle Potkar, scholar Kavita Peter, and student Priyanka Yadav. Attendees witnessed a reunion between a member who joined in the 1950s and a new member who registered this year, showcasing Dosti House’s enduring intergenerational impact.
80 साल की दोस्ती
— U.S. Consulate Mumbai (@USAndMumbai) December 19, 2024
We rang in the 80th anniversary of #DostiHouse – Your American Space by taking a trip down memory lane with our patrons and guests. We celebrated decades of friendship between the United States and India that brought people together through the shared love… pic.twitter.com/6OfaTaRuD4
Retired Justice Roshan Dalvi served as the chief guest, while harpist Susan E. Mazer, woodwind performer Dallas Smith, and kathak dancer Aditi Bhagwat presented a cross-cultural fusion performance. Testimonials from longtime visitors and new members played on-screen, reflecting the space’s lasting influence.
To mark the milestone, Dosti House announced a special membership offer from December 2024 to December 2025. Additionally, it launched a yearlong Dosti Quiz, giving participants the chance to win prizes throughout the year.
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