SAN FRANCISCO: Vayalar Ravi, Minister of Overseas Indians Affairs visited San Francisco on Sunday, September 21 and the new Consul General of India, Sushmita G. Thomas, hosted him at a luncheon meeting. The Federation of Indian Americans in Northern California and the Kerala community welcomed them at a formal dinner reception at the International Christian Center, 3275 Williams Road, San Jose, California.
About 100 distinguished community leaders from various interest groups gathered to listen to the dignitaries and exchange ideas. Consul General Sushmita G. Thomas formally welcomed the minister and spoke of his tireless efforts for the community. She reminded every one present that the high level of professionalism and conscientious efforts of Minister Ravi while she was ambassador in Chile were very encouraging. Ravi said her successful tenure in that country was made possible due to her ability to work with those at the highest level of decision making.
He gave her great commendation as a true professional and said that this region was blessed with a person of such distinguished diplomatic career. Minister Ravi reiterated his role to offer support to the NRIs to meet the challenges while navigating through the system for profitable business investment, educational opportunities for children. He affirmed the commitment of the Manmohan Singh government to meet the growing needs of the urban and rural communities to have adequate power supply so that there is no shortage of energy.
He thanked the community for encouraging the American government's unwavering intention to formalize the nuclear deal and recalled his interactions with high level officials in Washington DC including the exchange with the Secretary of State, Condoleezza Rice. Ravi is leading a team of 25 MPs to share various interests with related governmental and private organizations.
There are scholarships and seed money available for NRI children to learn of India and he urged leaders in America to step up opening of more universities for the Pravasi community. His office will open up ways to improve education and distribute resources from government funded foundations. The minister stated, "We have an equitable system of wealth sharing to ensure that the profits generated in big urban settings with those in the village communities". Dr PT Mammen welcomed those gathered at the Christian Center and opened the meeting with the Lord's Prayer and national anthems of America and India.
Dr Romesh Japra, President of FIA and convener of Festival of India, remembered Ravi's earlier visit and congratulated him over the progress and goodwill his relationship with the community has generated. Kalathil Pappachan representing the Malayalee community and the FIA spoke of his earlier inspiration from the student years while going to the same educational institutions as Ravi, who set the model for future youth organizations of political activism and public good.
Ashok Sinha, consul for community affairs gave a brief outline of the ministers portfolio and presented special guest Arathi Krishna, Community Development Officer from the Embassy of India in Washington DC. In response to a question regarding the plight of Christian communities throughout India, specifically in Orissa and Karnataka the minister shared the concern raised by those in the American media and stated categorically the government's intention to maintain order in local communities and implement all provisions of the constitution. He lamented the inability of persuading Kashmiris to return to their villages.
A copy of the memorandum sent to the United Nations and to the prime minister was handed to Ravi which calls on the government not to negotiate with the separatists and to continue to fight terrorism. Dinner was served by Sitara Restaurant.
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