CHENNAI: “I became dirty and dark, like the Tamilians.” Maureen Chao, Vice-Consul of the US Consulate in Chennai, said these racist words on Friday as she narrated to a group of students her experience of a train journey in India two decades ago as a student herself.The Vice-Consul, speaking at the Semester Abroad Programme orientation in SRM University, recalled, “I was on a 24-hour train trip from Delhi to Orissa. But, after 72 hours, the train still didn’t reach the destination.... and my skin became dirty and dark, like the Tamilians’.”What’s worse, the remark was met with cheers and claps from the students, many of whom were from northern states of the country.Chao continued speaking, ostensibly not realising what she had said.“Some 20 years ago, I was a student like you and had an opportunity to do a semester abroad. I chose to come to India, fascinated by the culture and religion. I travelled across villages to understand the culture better. I was amazed at the graciousness and friendliness of the people,” she said, telling students they too would find studying abroad an enriching experience.
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