Vidya Sethuraman
India Post News Service
The Consulate General of India hosted a community banquet as part of the Republic Day celebrations, bringing together elected officials, community leaders, and members of the Indian diaspora to commemorate India’s 76th Republic Day in a spirit of unity, pride, and cultural vibrancy on Jan 26 at the consulate premises.
The banquet was graced by the presence of the Mayor of San Francisco and the Mayor of Milpitas, whose participation underscored the strong and growing ties between India and the Bay Area, as well as the important role played by the Indian American community in the social, economic, and cultural fabric of the region.
Addressing the gathering, the Consul General of India, Dr Srikar Reddy extended warm Republic Day greetings to the attendees and highlighted the significance of the Indian Constitution as the cornerstone of the world’s largest democracy. The Consul General spoke about India’s democratic values, inclusive growth, and global engagement, while acknowledging the contributions of the Indian diaspora in strengthening India–U.S. relations.
The Consul General also expressed heartfelt appreciation to the diaspora community for their continued support, active engagement, and commitment to preserving India’s cultural heritage while contributing meaningfully to their adopted homeland. The address emphasized the role of the diaspora as a bridge between the two nations.
The event featured a rich array of cultural performances by community artists, showcasing India’s diverse traditions through classical and contemporary dance and patriotic presentations. The performances were warmly received and added a festive and celebratory atmosphere to the evening.
During the interaction with the community, the Consul General also informed attendees that the Consulate General of India and the VFS Global Service Center remain open on Saturdays, a measure aimed at enhancing accessibility and improving consular services for the community. Through streamlined processes, expanded outreach, and the support of the VFS Global Service Center, the Consulate continues to enhance service delivery for passports, visas, OCI, and other consular matters. The availability of consular and VFS services on Saturdays was highlighted as a key initiative to improve accessibility and reduce waiting times, reflecting the Consulate’s ongoing efforts to respond to the needs of the community with professionalism and efficiency.
The Consulate General of India reaffirmed its dedication to engaging with the community and organizing inclusive events that celebrate India’s heritage and strengthen bilateral relationships.
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