SoCal Indian Community Celebrates Gandhi Jayanti And New Consulate

By Francesca Echavarria

CERRITOS, CA — Chugh, LLP hosted a moving celebration on October 2 at its office here, honoring the 156th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. This year’s observance carried special significance, coinciding with the community’s celebration of the newly established Consulate General of India in Southern California — inaugurated just days earlier at the AON Center on Wilshire Boulevard in Downtown Los Angeles.

Leading the program was Dr. K.J. Srinivasa, the newly appointed Consul General of India in Los Angeles, a veteran Indian Foreign Service officer. The event brought together more than 150 community members, business leaders, elected officials, and dignitaries for an evening of reflection, pride, and unity.

Attendees bowed in reverence and reflected on Gandhi’s timeless principles of truth and non-violence.

Speaking passionately about Gandhiji’s enduring influence, Srinivasa described the Mahatma as “not just a leader of India but a global symbol of peace, justice, and service to humanity.” He recalled visiting Johannesburg, where Gandhiji’s philosophy of non-violence first took shape, and meeting members of Gandhiji’s family during his diplomatic career.

“The values Gandhiji stood for—truth, compassion, and non-violence—remain the foundation of India’s identity and continue to inspire millions, including Indians in America,” he said.

Reflecting on his earlier posting as Deputy Consul General in San Francisco from 2013 to 2016, Srinivasa said, “Those three years showed me the strength, unity, and warmth of the Indian diaspora. I look forward to building an even deeper relationship with the Indian community in Southern California and the many southwestern states our new Consulate will serve. Please invite me to your events—I want to stay involved.”

Joining him from the Consulate were Kulwant Singh, Consul, who expressed optimism about working closely with the region’s Indian diaspora, and Ms. Priyanka, Vice Consul, who promised the new Consulate would be “deeply involved with the community and committed to assisting Indians in every way possible.”

The evening began with a solemn prayer ceremony at the Gandhi statue on the busy corner of  Carmenita and Artesia roads, a long-standing Cerritos landmark symbolizing peace and cultural unity.

Mark Pulido, Mayor of Cerritos, praised the Indian American community’s contributions and noted the city’s pride in hosting a monument to Gandhi. Zeel Ahir, Council Member of Artesia, called the new Consulate “a milestone that will bring India even closer to the people of Southern California.”

Babubhai Bera, father of Congressman Ami Bera, also congratulated the community on the Consulate’s opening.

Host Navneet Chugh, Managing Partner of Chugh, LLP, highlighted the dual significance of the day. “This year’s Gandhi Jayanti carries an extra layer of meaning,” he said. “We honor the Father of the Nation and celebrate a historic milestone—the opening of India’s first Consulate General in Southern California. It’s a proud moment for our community and a major step in bringing consular services closer to home.”

Guests later shared an Indian vegetarian dinner and engaged in lively conversation. The evening, filled with warmth and gratitude, celebrated both Gandhi’s universal message of peace and a new chapter for India’s growing presence in Southern California.