Community Outreach: LA Consulate Interacts With Valley’s Seniors Group

Photo: Sabina Sikand

By Fatema Baldiwala

WOODLAND HILLS, CA – In a gesture of community outreach, Dr. K. J. Srinivasa, the first Consul General of the newly established Consulate of India in Los Angeles, paid a visit to the Valley Indian Senior Association during its monthly meeting on January 9.

Addressing the seniors, Srinivasa spoke with deep reverence for the elder generation. He highlighted their vital role in preserving heritage far from home, noting that they serve as the keepers of memory, keepers of culture, and keepers of wisdom. He described the senior diaspora as a living bridge connecting generations, as well as a link between ancient tradition and the modern landscape of the United States.

Srinivasa offered a poignant reflection on the history of the community, acknowledging that many in attendance arrived decades ago when the Indian presence in America was small and largely unrecognized. He credited their perseverance, integrity, and quiet determination for building the foundation that has allowed the current generation of Indian Americans to thrive.

The Valley Indian Senior Association has evolved into an engaged body that offers seniors meaningful opportunities for social interaction, cultural expression, wellness, and mutual support. A major milestone for the organization is the establishment of a permanent meeting space at El Camino High School in the San Fernando Valley. This dedicated venue allows members to gather on the first Saturday of every month in the morning to foster community ties.

The meeting concluded with a warm exchange of cultural appreciation. As a token of their esteem and to mark the beginning of a new chapter for the Consulate, VISA presented Dr. Srinivasa with a painted rock of Lord Ganesha. The gift, symbolizing new beginnings and the removal of obstacles, served as a fitting welcome for the inaugural Consul General as he begins his tenure in Los Angeles.