By Rajender Dichpally
A delegation of The Indian National Overseas Congress along with prominent community leaders met the new Indian Consul General of New York His Excellency Sandeep Chakravorty in his office at the Indian Consulate in Manhattan on August 22nd. The delegation was led by President Mr. Shudh Parkash Singh. The delegation discussed issues relating to the Indian American Community like issues with emergency visa, delays in services etc. Many other issues were bought to the notice of the Consul General.
Rajender Dichpally General Secretary of INOC informed media that the Consul General told delegation he wants to make the consulate more inviting and more open for the Indian Community. Mr. Chakaravorty plans to bring all Indian organizations under one mobile umbrella app of the consulate where everyone can post their events and share the information.
Shudh Parkash Singh raised the issue of issuing passport and visas to Indians including the Sikhs & Punjabis taking political asylum. Consul General replied it is a policy decision of government of India and not under his control.
Shudh informed CG that he has taken up the issue of NRI’s property rights with the Chief Minister of Punjab and asked for protection of NRI property in cases where they were being duped by relatives in India.
Rajendar Dichpally spoke on how the Organization has taken active part in supporting candidates who are friendly with the Indian community and also wished and hoped that the Community will have more its own candidates running for office in the near future. Dr.Rajender Jinna spoke of the conventions that were organized by Telugu associations to highlight the cultural, social and business seminars. Mr.Ravi Chopra and Phuman Singh spoke on the need to have a 24 hours help line that can guide the community during emergencies. The Consul General said that this facility is already being implemented under his tenure. Any one can write to the consulate on at the email –[email protected] and they will get a reply within 24 hours.
Kalathil Varghese Vice President pointed out issues relating to OCI cards and new Adhaar card rule.
Quddus Mohammed from Hyderabad Cultural Association asked for an event in the Indian Consulate to show case the Hyderabadi Culture which the Indian Consul General agreed immediately.
We found the new CG have new creative ideas. He’s very open minded and considerate man, stated Shudh Singh after the meeting. Our community here can expect a lot of good coming out of our consulate in coming days, Shudh further added. The meeting ended with the delegation fully satisfied with Consul General and his deputy for accepting all their proposals.