Federation of Indian Associations (NYNJCT&NE) welcomes India’s new Consul General  

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The Federation of Indian Associations (NYNJCT&NE) held a welcoming ceremony for the new Consul General of India in New York, Binaya S. Pradhan.

The FIA delegation first extended a heartfelt welcome to the Honorable Consul General on behalf of Chairman Ankur Vaidya and the entire FIA team in New York. The delegation comprised President Dr. Avinash Gupta, Dr. Sudhir Parikh, Kenny Desai, Anil Bansal, Anand Patel, and Alok Kumar.

During the meeting, Dr. Sudhir Parikh, senior advisor to FIA, past president, and Grand Sponsor of the India Day Parade, assured the Consul General of the unwavering support of the organization and its members.

Dr. Parikh, a recipient of the Padma Shri award, and chairman and CEO of Parikh Worldwide Media/ITV Gold, went on to describe the rationale behind hosting the grand India Day Parade event in New York City. “We wanted to connect our younger generation to India’s independence movement and culture and tradition and draw them into strengthening US-India relations,” Dr. Parikh said. “We also wanted to show the mainstream Americans our culture, heritage, affluence, and success of the community,” he added. He also recounted the help that FIA has rendered over the years to India, sending more than $50 million worth of help during COVID, and the Gujarat earthquake in 2000.

The Indian Consulate posted on Facebook (@India in New York) about the meeting, saying, “Consul General Binaya Srikanta Pradhan engaged in fruitful discussions with FIA NY NJ CT Executive Committee. Touched upon Indian Diaspora’s remarkable contributions to America’s prosperity and India’s development. Thanked them for enriching the vibrant people to people ties and fostering dynamic partnership between &.” The same message was posted on ‘X’ (Twitter) by the Consulate.

The FIA team pledged its full support to the Consul General, assuring him that they will stand behind every initiative that benefits the community. Consul General Pradhan reciprocated, expressing his commitment to ensuring that the consulate remains accessible to the community under all circumstances.

Deputy Consul General Dr. Varun Jeph informed CG Pradhan  about the overwhelming support from the larger community towards the Consulate. He also highlighted the significant contributions made by FIA to the community and the organization’s steadfast support.

Dr. Avinash Gupta extended an invitation to the Consul General and Deputy Consul General to participate in the “Dance Pe Chance” event scheduled to be held February 10, 2024. Dance Pe Chance is one of the largest dance competitions organized by a community organization. The event aims to connect the younger generation with Indian culture and celebrate Republic Day.

Consul General Pradhan expressed gratitude to all team members for braving inclement weather to visit the consulate and give him a warm welcome.

Consul General Pradhan most recently served as India’s High Commissioner in Tanzania from August 2021 to January 2023. Belonging to the 2002 batch of the Indian Foreign Service, CG Pradhan is fluent in English, Russian, Hindi, and Odiya.

Since his arrival in New York January 14, CG Pradhan has wasted no time in meeting members of the Indian American community and leaders of organizations.

His team at the Indian Consulate posted on X, saying it “warmly welcomes Mr. Binaya S. Pradhan @binaysrikant76 as he assumes charge as India’s Consul General in New York. Look forward to his leadership in forging stronger partnership.” He also held a Swachhata Pledge with his consulate team.