Chhattisgarh CM Inaugurates the Indian Consulate Facebook Page

NEW YORK (TIP): The famous playback singer and music director of Bollywood films Sharada Iyengar set the tone of the AIA Diwali Kick Off celebrations with her musical recitation of the famous words from Bhagvad Gita: “Yada Yada Hi Dharmasya Glanirva Bhavathi Bharatha, Abhyuthanam Adharmaysya Tadatmanam Srijami Aham.” Welcoming the guests, Consul General Dnyaneshwar M Mulay highlighted the contributions of Indian Americans in different walks of life and exhorted the community to continue the work whole heartedly for the cause of building India, and India-US relationship.

Consul General Dnyaneshwar M Mulay, in his welcome address, spoke of the importance of unity of mind and hearts for realizing big dreams


Speaking mostly in Hindi, he said Hindi is one of the most widely spoken languages of the world, with every sixth person on this planet being am Indian. The Consul General talked about efforts of the Consulate to showcase the rich Indian cultural heritage and the development story of India. He said the Consulate had started a series of talks and lectures with a view to promoting better understandings of issues and showcasing Indian culture. Dr. Raman Singh, Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh, who was on a personal visit to New York, took time to join the community at the event. Speaking in Hindi, he talked about the development that his state had made under his government.



Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer spoke of her long association with South Street Seaport Diwali and the Indian American community.


He said that his state provided rice at the rate of Re 1 (US $ 0.016) per kilogram to the people below poverty line. Speaking about the preservation of environment, he said while the world capitals were grappling with the environmental problems , the capital of Chhattisgarh comprised 35% green area. He also spoke about the vision of Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi who is arriving to the US in September for discussing bilateral issues with the US government on an invitation from President Barack Obama.



Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh Dr Raman Singh who spoke in Hindi, talked about his government’s policies to help the poorest of the poor in his state.

Announcing the kick off of Diwali, Dr. Singh conveyed his Deepavali greetings of and wished he could attend the festival here. Dr. Singh also inaugurated the Facebook Page of the Consulate General of India, New York. He appreciated the effort of the Consulate to reach out to people at global level and let them know what India is. Member of Parliament Abhishek Singh spoke about India’s vision for future and commented “When I see brand India, I see many brand Ambassadors of India” who are working tirelessly to promote the cause of India.

Tulsi Pandya and Radhika Patel from Nartan Rang Dance Academy of Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan giving a dance performance “Vande Matram” which was directed by Swati Vaishnav


The Chief Guest on the occasion, Ms Gale Brewer, Manhattan Borough President recalled her long association with the South Street Seaport Diwali and the Indian American community. Sunil Modi, President of AIA-NY chapter spoke about the AIA Diwali in the past and this year. A power point presentation was made on the event. Tulsi Pandya and Radhika Patel from Nartan Rang Dance Academy of Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan gave a dance performance “Vande Matram” which was directed by Swati Vaishnav



A view of the gathering