Clinton is visiting and St Xavier’s is the last to know

Till Thursday morning, officials at St Xavier's College were busy preparing for an exhibition as part of their 140th year celebrations. Though there had been reports in the media, the college had received no intimation of the imminent high-profile visit.

That is, till the US consul-general called up and confirmed that US secretary of state Hillary Clinton would be visiting the college on July 18 during her Mumbai trip.

Later in the evening, inspection teams from the state as well as the office of the consul-general arrived at the college campus.

Clinton is expected to address members of a non-governmental organisation at the college hall on Saturday afternoon. Her speech will centre on education and include an interactive session. "They have requested to have this event in St Xavier's College," said principal Father Frazer Mascarenhas.

Clinton is scheduled to reach the college at 3:30pm on Saturday and will be there for an hour. "She has expressed an interest in visiting St Xavier's, but the exact details of her stop at the college are not yet known," a source said. "Actor Aamir Khan, who is associated with the NGO, is likely to share the dais with Clinton."

The college learnt about the visit this late because of security concerns, the source said.

St Xavier's was getting ready to conduct the exhibition on July 17 and 18 in the college hall along with other activities. Now, the venue will be shifted to the college canteen foyer.

Clinton’s timetable
Friday, 8.30pm: Will reach Mumbai airport and head for the Taj Mahal Hotel under tight security provided by the Mumbai Police
Saturday morning: Will attend conference at hotel
Saturday afternoon: Will visit St Xavier’s College
Later on Saturday: Plans to shop in South Mumbai
Sunday, 10:30am: Will head to the airport to catch flight to Delhi