I extend my greetings and best wishes on the joyous occasion of Republic Day, through this Special Illustrated Issue of The Indian Panorama commemorating the 67^th Republic Day of India, to Indian Citizens, the Indian American community and Friends of India in Texas and other States of USA served by the Consulate General of India, Houston.

The Republic day is an occasion to rededicate ourselves to the values and ideals of the Indian constitution and the vision of the leaders of our Freedom Struggle.  These values have helped consolidate our democracy, strengthened our diverse society, nurtured our plural polity and bind our countries and peoples.

I am fortunate to be serving in Houston at a time of a huge upswing in bilateral relations cemented by high level visits undertaken by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and President Mr. Barack Obama. Texas has been the focus state for Indian investments in the US with the largest share of inbound Indian investments and jobs created in the US. Texas and Houston are home to numerous Indian oil and gas companies and manufacturing sector industries, and Dallas hosts numerous Indian companies in the Information Technology sector. We look forward to the first shipments of LNG from the US to India next year from Sabine Pass Terminal, further strengthening our energy sector cooperation.

We have had a successful high level trade delegation led by the then Mayor of Houston Honorable Annise Parker in April 2015 and look forward to arranging a high level visit and accompanying trade delegation to India this year led by Texas Governor Honorable Greg Abbott.

This is a special occasion for members of the Pravasi Bharatiya community who have distinguished themselves in India and the US by their hard work, contributions to nation building and community service. I specifically mention the numerous Indian students and faculty in institutions of higher learning in our consular jurisdiction who by their efforts and personalities bring together academia and research communities in India and US.

On this joyous occasion of Republic Day, my best wishes to all for peace, progress and prosperity!

Harish Parvathaneni