NEW YORK, NY (TIP): The Consul General of India in New York Ambassador Dnyaneshwar Mulay hosted on August 15, a Reception at the Consulate to celebrate the 66th anniversary of India’s Independence. About 250 guests that included prominent members of the Indian-American community and local dignitaries attended the celebrations.

Former US Ambassador to India, Frank Wisner, Ambassador Asoke Mukerji, Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations, Ambassador Manjeev Singh Puri, Deputy Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations also graced the occasion. Warmly greeting and welcoming the guests, Ambassador Mulay underlined the important contribution of the Indian Diaspora worldwide towards growth and development of India.

He said that the vibrant Indian community in the US has been contributing immensely to the friendship between India and the US. He also outlined the efforts that the Consulate has been taking towards improving its services, particularly streamlining various Consular procedures and expanding the outreach activities in various states under its jurisdiction.

During the function Ambassador Mulay recognized the significant contribution by the Indian community towards US$5 million endowment to India Studies Chair at the Stony Brooks University making it the largest gift ever made to a US public university for India Studies. Mr. Nirmal Mattoo and Mr. SN Sridhar were felicitated as major contributors to the endowment. Ambassador Mulay, along with the dignitaries cut the cake in celebration of the joyous occasion. Earlier, in the morning, Ambassador Mulay rang the opening bell at the Nasdaq, an annual ritual to mark India’s Independence Day