New Delhi: As the US nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Nimitz docked in Chennai on Monday, the excitement was palpable.
Despite the controversy created by a section of Left parties, Nimitz managed to cut ice with India when its crew members along with the ones of USS Pinckeney participated in community service events in Chennai on Monday.
The US sailors – many of whom are on their maiden India trip – visited a school and orphanage for disadvantaged Muslim boys and painted classrooms and refurbished a playground.
They also visited a non-profit city hospital and school for mentally and physically challenged children and participated in cultural events organised by special children.
During the programme at 'the Madras Institute to Habilitate Retarded Afflicted,' the crew members played the guitar and sang along with the children there.
They also visited 'Vishranti,' a home for destitute housewives. They were reported to be “impressed” with a 107-year-old woman who told them stories of the Indian independence struggle.
Her skill at speaking five languages left many sailors wondering at her ability at such an age.
Later in the day, the sailors cleaned and painted the dormitory and day-care centre at the Indian Council for Child Welfare (ICCW) and planted tree saplings.
The US Ambassador to India David C Mulford visited the ICCW, where he interacted with the children and the sailors.
The sailors presented the children with a model of the USS Nimitz in Mulford's presence.
(With agency inputs)
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