SoCaL Community Welcomes First Consul General Of India In Los Angeles
India-West Staff Reporter
CERRITOS, CA – The Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts here was filled to capacity as the local community came together on October 19 to welcome Dr. K J Srinivasa, the first Consul General of the newly established Consulate of India in Los Angeles. He was joined by Consul Kulwant Singh and Vice Consul Priyanka Tyagi for the event.
Organized by the United Indian Associations of Southern California (UIASC) with support from several organizations across the greater Los Angeles area, the celebration drew attendees from far and wide despite being held just a day before Diwali.
The evening began with a traditional Ganesh Vandana, followed by performances of music and dance by local talent. Srinivasa inaugurated the event with the ceremonial lamp lighting and presided over the national anthems of the United States and India. Ashok (Pat) Patnaik welcomed guests and introduced the evening’s speakers.
Several community members and those who head varied organizations spoke. Anju Garg reflected on the Consulate’s journey from “vision to manifestation,” while Sudip Gorakshekar highlighted the importance of continuing successful Indo-US relations. Mallik Banda welcomed Srinivasa as a new beginning for the Indian diplomatic presence in Los Angeles, and Ashok Madan discussed the community’s long-standing desire for a consulate in the region. Venkat Peddi and Kanak Singh Zala spoke about the new opportunities and frontiers the Consulate could bring.
Dr. Sukrit Mukerjee, UIASC Vice President and Convener, outlined the organization’s history and vision for future collaboration with the Indian Consulate. Business leader Dr. Kali Pradip Chaudhuri emphasized patriotic unity and encouraged all Indians to come together to support the motherland. UIASC President Kewal Kanda formally introduced Srinivasa, noting his prior service as Deputy Consul General in San Francisco.
In his address, Srinivasa praised the Indian diaspora for their role in making the Los Angeles Consulate possible. He wished attendees a happy Diwali and expressed his pleasure at returning to work with many community leaders he had previously engaged with during Pravasi Bharatiya Divas. Among his key initiatives, he discussed plans for a non-stop flight connecting Los Angeles with major Indian cities, the future of cricket in the Olympics, and opportunities to enhance bilateral business and collaboration. He also announced that the Consulate expects to be fully operational in the downtown Los Angeles AON building by December.
The evening concluded with a meet-and-greet, where consulate officials warmly interacted with attendees and posed for photographs. Guests then enjoyed a festive dinner prepared by Artesia’s Ashoka the Great.
