Nearly 300 Community Members Gather to Honor Deputy Consul General Rakesh Adlakha and Welcome Newly Appointed Consul General Satish Kumar Sivan
Fremont, California — September 19, 2026
A memorable evening of community interaction, appreciation and India–U.S. friendship took place Friday, September 18, at Japra Mahal & Vineyards in Fremont, as Dr. Romesh Japra and Mrs. Sunita Japra, on behalf of Americans4Hindus (A4H), Festival of Globe (FOG) and Fremont Hindu Temple, hosted a special Farewell & Interaction Dinner Reception honoring Hon. Shri Rakesh Adlakha, Deputy Consul General of India, San Francisco, and welcoming Hon. Shri H.E. Satish Kumar Sivan, the newly appointed Consul General of India, San Francisco.
The event brought together nearly 300 community members, leaders, professionals, supporters and well-wishers, creating an atmosphere of warmth, gratitude and meaningful community interaction.
The evening recognized Shri Rakesh Adlakha as he concludes three years of dedicated public service to the Indian-American community in the San Francisco region. Community members expressed their appreciation for his engagement and service during his tenure and conveyed their best wishes for his continued success in his future responsibilities.
At the same time, the gathering extended a warm welcome to Shri Satish Kumar Sivan as he begins his tenure as the newly appointed Consul General of India in San Francisco. The reception provided an opportunity for members of the community to interact with him and express their enthusiasm for continued engagement between the Consulate and the vibrant Indian-American community of Northern California.
The evening also highlighted the importance of continued collaboration among community organizations, civic leaders and representatives of the Government of India in strengthening cultural, civic and community connections between India and the United States.
Dr. Romesh Japra: Community Unity and India–U.S. Friendship
Dr. Romesh Japra, Founder & Chairman of Americans4Hindus (A4H), Festival of Globe (FOG) and Fremont Hindu Temple, emphasized the importance of bringing the community together to recognize public service and welcome new leadership.
“Tonight is about gratitude, friendship and community. We are deeply thankful to Shri Rakesh Adlakha for his dedicated service and warmly welcome Shri Satish Kumar Sivan to the San Francisco community. Together, we look forward to strengthening the bridge between our community, India and the United States.”
Dr. Japra also highlighted the importance of maintaining a strong, engaged and united Indian-American community while building constructive relationships with institutions and public representatives.
Shri Rakesh Adlakha: Appreciation for the Community
As he concludes his three-year tenure as Deputy Consul General of India, San Francisco, Shri Rakesh Adlakha was honored for his service and engagement with the community.
Draft quote for approval:
“Serving the Indian-American community in the San Francisco region has been a deeply meaningful experience. I am grateful for the warmth, cooperation and support extended by the community throughout my tenure. I will always value the relationships and memories created here.”
His farewell was marked by expressions of appreciation from community members who gathered to recognize his public service and wish him continued success.
Consul General Satish Kumar Sivan: Looking Ahead
The community also warmly welcomed Shri H.E. Satish Kumar Sivan, the newly appointed Consul General of India in San Francisco, with the evening providing an opportunity for introductions, interaction and dialogue.
Draft quote for approval:
“I am honored to begin this new responsibility in San Francisco and look forward to engaging closely with the Indian-American community. The strength of our relationship comes from continued dialogue, collaboration and shared commitment, and I look forward to working together in the years ahead.”
The reception reflected the depth and diversity of the Indian-American community in Northern California and the importance of continued community–Consulate engagement.
A Night of Gratitude, Welcome and Community
Hosted at Japra Mahal & Vineyards, the evening brought together people from across the community for dinner, conversation, recognition and interaction.
The event was organized under the leadership of Dr. Romesh Japra and Mrs. Sunita Japra, on behalf of Americans4Hindus (A4H), Festival of Globe (FOG) and Fremont Hindu Temple.
The successful gathering demonstrated the community’s continued enthusiasm for meaningful engagement, leadership, cultural connection and India–U.S. relations.
As one chapter of public service came to a close and another began, the evening served as a celebration of service, leadership, friendship and the enduring connection between India and the Indian-American community.
About the Organizing Organizations
Americans4Hindus (A4H) works to empower American Hindus and pro-Hindu Americans through civic participation, community engagement and leadership development.
Festival of Globe (FOG) brings communities together through cultural, educational and civic celebrations and promotes greater understanding and appreciation of the Hindu way of living.
Fremont Hindu Temple serves the Hindu community through spiritual, cultural and community activities in the Bay Area.
For further information or media inquiries, please contact:
Americans4Hindus (A4H):
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.americans4hindus.org
