"Launch of Face Book of the Consulate of General of India, New York"
&
"Kick-off of AIA's 27th Deepavali "
at
Consulate General of India, New York

(From Left to Right - Mr Aman Kumar Singh, Hon'ble MP Mr Abhishek Singh, Hon'ble CM of Chhattisgarh Dr Raman Singh, Manhattan Borough President Ms Gale Brewer, Consul General Amb. Dnyaneshwar M Mulay)

"Yada   Yada  Hi  Dharmasya
Glanirva Bhavathi Bharatha,
Abhyuthanam Adharmaysya
Tadatmanam Srijami Aham ."
Bhagavad Gita  (Chapter IV-7)

With the recitation of these words by Ms Sharada Iyengar, famous Playback Singer and Music Director of Bollywood films in the Ballroom of the Consulate General of India, New York, the event started to launch of the Face Book of the Consulate and the kick-off of 27th Deepavali at South Street Seaport in New York. The event was hosted by the Consulate in association with "Asssociation of Indians in America Inc." on 26th August 2014.

(Consul General Amb. Dnyaneshar M Mulay greeting the guests and speaking on the occasion)

After warm greetings and welcoming the guests Consul General Ambassador Dnyaneshwar M Mulay highlighted the contributions of Indian Americans in different walks of life and he appealed to the Indian American community to work whole heartedly for the cause of building India, and India-US relationship. Speaking mostly in Hindi, he informed the audience that Hindi is the world's one of the most widely spoken language. Every sixth person on this planet speaks in Indian and Hindi is spoken in vast part of India.

Amb. Mulay talked about the three flag-ships series of the Consulate for bringing forth the rich Indian cultural heritage and developments of India taken place during the last six and half decades. A slide show of the activities undertaken by the Consulate in New York was appreciated by the public and they welcomed these outreach initiatives by pledging to promote them with zeal.

Amb. Mulay welcomed Hon'ble Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh Dr Raman Singh, Youngest MP Hon'ble Mr Abhishek Singh and Ms Gale Brewer, Manhattan Borough President.  He concluded his remarks with following lines:
"Jyot   Se   Jyot   Jalate  Chalo,
Prem Ki Ganga Bahate Chalo."

(Hon'ble CM of Chhattisgarh Dr Raman Singh addressing the guests in Hindi)

Hon'ble CM of Chhattisgarh Dr Raman Singh also spoke in Hindi. He surprised the Media and the guests by mentioning that his state is still providing the rice at the rate of Re 1 (US $ 0.016) per kilogram  to the people below poverty line and today in age of environmental problems with the capitals of the world, the capital of Chhattisgarh comprises 35% green area. He talked about the vision of Hon'ble Prime Minister of India Mr Narendra Modi who is arriving to the US the next month for discussing bilateral issues with the US government on invitation from President Barack Obama. Hon'ble CM after announcing the kick-off of Deepavali from today, conveyed his greetings of Deepavali to all and wished to attend the festival of Deepavali here .

(Hon'ble CM looking at the Facebook site after inauguration)

Hon'ble Chief Minister Dr Raman Singh also inaugurated the Facebook of the Consulate General of India, New York by admiring its efforts to reach the global people and let them know what India is.

(Hon'ble MP Mr Abhishek Singh talking about the India's vision for the future)

          Hon'ble MP Mr Abhishek Singh, also talked about the India's vision for the future and commented "When I see brand India, I see many brand Ambassadors of India" who are working tirelessly to promote its causes.

(Chief Guest on the occasion Ms Gale Brewer, Manhattan Borough President)

The Chief Guest on the occasion Ms Gale Brewer, Manhattan Borough President described how the AIA could get into celebrating Deepavali festival at South Street Seaport. She greeted Indians for the Deepavali and informed that she would be attending the festival.

          Dr Shashi S. Shah, President of National Executive Council of AIA briefed his association with the celebrations, how it could turn into first Diwali at the White House in 2003 during the Presidency of Mr George Bush and a commemorative coin was issued to mark the celebration.

(Mr Sushil Modi -fourth from right, with AIA office bearers and sponsors)

Mr Sushil Modi, President of AIA-NY chapter spoke about the past event by presenting a power point presentation and informed the guests about the plan and arrangements already made for this year celebrations. He invited the sponsors on stage and the question answer session followed. Replying one of the questions raised by Ms Rene Mehra, Hon'ble CM Dr Raman Singh mentioned his desire to participate in the event "India: State by State" being organized by the Consulate and he would like to send the holistic health care experts too during the event.

(Dance performance "Vande Matram" directed by Ms Swati Vaishnav)

A dance performance "Vande Matram" directed by Ms Swati Vaishnav of Bhartiya Vidya Bhawan was praised by congregation of business delegates, educationists, physicians and media persons and other eminent guests.

(The guests)

The event ended with dinner.

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