19 December 2018
Hyderabad

Association of Indo Americans (AIA) organized a meet and greet meeting on Dec 15, 2018 to welcome the new Consul General of India (CG) Ambassador Sanjay Panda to San Francisco office. The meeting was held at FalconX Event Center in Milpitas, CA. AIA is supported by over 30 different non-profit Indian organizations in the Bay Area. Over 150 guests from different community organizations have attended the evening to greet and meet the CG. The program started with national anthems and Indian classical dances. Ambassador Sanjay Panda and his wife was invited onto the stage with a standing ovation. CG did the Lighting the Lamps to kick-off the main program. Representatives from each of the organizations took turns to meet and greet the CG on the stage. Each of the organizations have briefly explained about their organization to CG on the stage and felicitated him with colorful bouquets and shawls. With representatives from many different organizations, cultural programs, and with delicious dinner, the meeting was a grand welcome to CG. The AIA presented a great Indian community picture and unity to the CG through this meeting.

In his remarks, the Consul General Sanjay Panda expressed his happiness in meeting with representatives from so many Indian organizations in one meeting. He praised the AIA for organization the event and bringing in so many organizations to the meeting as a symbol of unity and common understanding. He stated that the Indian origin people have contributed remarkably to the communities here in the US as well as to the Indian economy. Mr. Panda was very impressed with unity and diversity of Indian origin people living so far from the motherland yet keeping the Indian traditions and culture live for the future generations. He emphasized the importance of cooperation, communication, and coordination between US and India in this global era. The CG had expressed his highest gratitude for the great reception and support he has received from AIA and its supporting organizations. The CG has stated that his office is committed in continue providing great services to all community members. Towards the end of the meeting, AIA team has presented a memento to the Consul General as a welcome remembrance.

The event was sponsored by FalconX Event Center, Biryani Pot, and Urban Spice. Media sponsors include Virijallu Telugu Radio, Elisda Media, Asianet TV, Telugu Times, Sadelok Newspaper.