CONSUL GENERAL LEADS ATLANTA COMMUNITY CELEBRATE 70TH REPUBLIC DAY IN GRANDEUR

By Ravi R Ponangi

Dr. Swati Kulkarni CGI addressing the gathering

Atlanta, GA: Consul General of India in Atlanta, Dr. Swati Kulkarni led the community to celebrate 70th Republic day of India in Atlanta. Republic Day celebrations were held in Atlanta Indian Consulate, Telugu Association of Atlanta, Federation of Indian Americans (Georgia) and in many other places in Atlanta and Georgia in grandeur. On a cold day large number of Indian-Americans and friends of India in Atlanta attended the 70th Republic Day celebrations with enthusiasm and patriotic fervor.

The Indian Republic Day is celebrated worldwide every year on January 26 to mark the date on which the constitution of India came into effect in 1950.

In the morning, Dr. Swati Kulkarni, Consul General of India in Atlanta unfurled the national flag at Consulate in the presence of large number of attendees. It was impressive to see people at the event despite a very cold weather. In her brief address Dr. Swati welcomed the gathering and appreciated them for attending the event of national importance. Then she read out the address of President of India Ram Nath Kovind address which was delivered on the occasion of the Republic Day.

Dr. Swati Kulkarni, Consul General of India in Atlanta hosted a grand Republic Day reception in the evening at Sandy Springs New City Hall. Many dignitaries that include Atlanta Consular Corps, Government officials, elected representatives besides Indian community leaders attended the evening reception.
In her inspiring and informative key note address, she informed audience in detail about the progress of India and India’s role in world. She has given extensive details of India’s over all progress and development over the last 70 years with numbers.

She also talked about India US relations, she said the bond between the world’s oldest and largest democracies based on shared values, commercial trade and security. Dr. Swati explained how the consulate in Atlanta helping the south east neighboring states which are under the jurisdiction of Atlanta Indian consulate with regard to issuing passports, OCI cards, visas and helping Indian Americans in times of difficulty. She has also shared the details of business and trade relations between Southeast states and India.

This was followed by cultural programs and concluded with sumptuous dinner.