FOG aka FIA hosted a Northern California welcome reception for CGISF Dr Srikar Reddy on Sep 24 at Japra Mahal & Vineyards, Fremont. The event was attended by elected officials, sister organization members and business leaders.
Over 250 residents from Sacramento, Bay Area and Fresno participated at this event. More than 30 community organizations from Sacramento to the Bay area gathered on Sept. 24 to welcome Dr Srikar Reddy, the new Consul General of India, San Francisco.
“I am happy to be here and am looking forward to meeting the people in Northern California diverse communities,” Dr Reddy stated during the reception. He lauded the efforts of Dr Romesh Japra and the FOG team in promoting the rich Indian culture and heritage in the Bay area for over three decades.
He thanked all community organization members who were present at the event and said he has made considerable changes in the Consulate and assured smooth consular services such as issuance of passports within a week from the date of application.
India could become a developed country by 2047 with an average annual real GDP growth of 7.6 per cent over the next 25 years, said Dr Reddy and urged everyone to become a part of this growth story by investing in India.
While most advanced economies are facing an economic slowdown, chronic shortages, high inflation, and ageing populations, the Indian economy is acknowledged to be the fastest-growing large economy with the largest youth population. Improving trade ties across the board is the central feature of the U.S.-India partnership. It provides the best opportunity to solidify economic ties and offer sustained institutional pathways for future cooperation, added Dr Reddy.
The US became India’s largest trading partner in the fiscal year 2022-23 as bilateral trade rose by almost 8% to $128.55 billion. India’s exports to the US grew 2.81% to $78.31 billion in this period as against $76.18 billion in 2021-22, the Indian commerce ministry’s data show.
Its imports from that country increased 16% to $50.24 billion. India’s major exports to the US include polished diamonds, pharmaceutical products, jewelry, light oil and petroleum, frozen shrimp, and cosmetics, among other items. Its imports include oil, liquefied natural gas, coal, recycled products, and almonds.
Dr Romesh Japra, Chairman, FOG thanked all the elected officials, organization heads and businessmen who joined the reception. He said both India and the US have consistently worked on stronger economic ties. The latest data show that things are going in the right direction and urged the Silicon Valley community to invest in our motherland.
Bharati Tamil Sangam, Kurunji Tamil Manram, BATM, Bay Area Kerala Sangham, NSS, MOHAM, MANCA, KKNC, Tri valley Kannada Sangha, Kannada Sangha Sacramento, Prabasi, Utsav, TATA, Silicon Andhra, TCA, TDF, FOG Bengal, NACHA, Mountain House sports and recreation association, BAPS, HSS, O2B2, Kashmir Hindu Foundation, RANA, Haryanvi Association, FOG Telugu, OVBI and many more joined the event.
Rakesh Adhlaka, Deputy Council General, Larry Klein, Mayor of Sunnyvale, Teresa Cox, Vice Mayor of Fremont, Councilmember Murali Srinivasan, Tina Walia and Raj Chahal were also present at the event.
Vidya Sethuraman
India Post News Service
