Vidya Sethuraman
India Post News Service
Consulate General of India, San Francisco, in partnership with local community organizations, organized a consular camp on March 23 at Aria University (formerly Silicon Andhra) in Milpitas. The event provided Indian and U.S. citizens the opportunity to address queries related to OCI cards, visas, passports, and surrender of Indian passports. The Consulate is also planning to organize additional weekend consular camps in several Bay area cities in the coming months. Updates and details regarding these events will be shared on the consulate’s website, the VFS portal, and their social media platforms.
CGISF Dr Reddy welcomed the community leaders, media and bay area residents to the camp. He encouraged attendees to contact the consulate or VFS staff in San Francisco for assistance with a variety of services, including passport applications, visas and OCI cards. After assuming charges in August 2023, he said he had worked on streamlining the application process, reducing paperwork, and incorporating self attested documents. CGISF is printing the OCI and passport copies at their premises and this has considerably reduced the issuance time. The consular camp saw a large turnout from the Indian community, offering an opportunity for residents to access key consular services closer to home. CG Dr Reddy added that the VFS office will open in San Jose.
The event also telecasted the concise version of PM Narendra Modi podcast with Lex Fridman. PM Narendra Modi talked at length about the special bond he shares with President Donald Trump. He recounted an incident during the ‘Howdy Modi’ event held in 2019, at the NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas, United States, and mentioned how Trump’s heartwarming gesture truly touched him.
When asked to comment on what he likes about Trump as a friend and as a leader, Modi narrated an incident that spoke of the American President’s courage, and which left him amazed. He said that he saw the same resilient and determined side of Trump when he was shot during the recent campaign.
Dr Reddy said as of January 13, 2025, in-person Miscellaneous Attestation Services are available by appointment only at their SF location. Walk-ins are not permitted. Appointments can be scheduled through their official website. Additionally, the Consulate holds an “Open House” on all working days from 2:30 PM to 3:30 PM to address grievances related to Consular Services, including Passports, OCI cards, Visas, and Renunciation. Entry to the Open House is strictly by appointment. For emergency assistance, Indian nationals can contact the Consulate at +1 (415) 483-6629.
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