India Post News Service
ORANGE, CA: GOPIO-International and its local chapters organized a meet and Greet event for the new Consul General of India at San Francisco, Dr. K Srikar Reddy. Kewal Kanda, VP GOPIO-International and Ashok Patnaik, Chairman of Parks and Recreation Commission for City of Cerritos were the conveners for the event that was arranged at the Banquet Hall of Tandoor restaurant in City of Orange. More than 50 community leaders from the various organizations were present to welcome CG Dr. Reddy.
Dr. Reddy spoke about how he was passionate from childhood to work in the Indian Foreign Service and that led the way to his current position though he has a medical degree. Dr. Reddy spoke about ways India and US are collaborating and venturing many joint projects given the bilateral relationship is at its peak.
He also highlighted on the role of Consulates in fostering positive relationship with Indian American Community and are working to expedite the process in getting the passport renewals, OCI and other matters related to Indian Americans. He said San Francisco consulate is streamlining the process of issuing the OCIs as quickly as possible when they will start printing them here in San Francisco.
He also stated that Indian Government is planning to open two more consulates in areas populated with Indian Americans. One location for the new consulate has already been decided and that will be Seattle, WA.
The other location for the second consulate is under review. More details on the second location will be published soon. Many leaders present at the reception stressed Dr. Reddy to open the second consulate here in Los Angles area.
They also suggested Artesia area will be the most suitable place as it is home to many businesses that we lovingly call Little India. The surrounding cities in this area are also a home to quite a large Indian-American population. Dr. Reddy said the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is responsible to decide the location. He also emphasized that opening a new consulate is daunting task as we have to find a suitable property to house the consulate and MEA is in process of doing that.
The community leaders present were asked to self-introduce themselves. Dr. Reddy was very happy and liked it. A question/answer session was planned where members were able to ask specific questions of their concern. Dr. Srikar Reddy answered questions regarding OCIs, passports, visas, and Celebrating Indian Functions in Collaboration with the Consulate. The event ended with a flavorful dinner.
Thank You For Your Vote!
Sorry You have Already Voted!
