New York: Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) chapters in New York and Manhattan joined hands with the Indian American Kerala Center in Elmont, New York along with several other community organizations including Kerala Cultural Association of North America, Pioneer Club of Keralites, Kerala Samajam of Greater New York, World Malayalee Council NY Province, FOMAA Metro Region, FOKANA Metro Region, Long Island Malayalee Cultural Association and Indian American Malayalee Association of Long Island, Milan Cultural Association to give a warm send-off with a dinner to Consul for Community Affairs A.K. Vijayakrishnan from the Indian Consulate in New York after four and half years of service.
Consul Vijayakrishnan has been a ranking diplomat with the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India with experience of over 36 years in a variety of interesting and challenging assignments with earlier postings in the High Commission of India in Pakistan as well as other countries and different sections of Ministry of External Affairs. Since Vijayakrishnan was retiring from the service and send-off dinner was held at the Indian American Keral Center.
The program started with Kerala Center President Alex Esthappan in his welcome address praising Consul Vijayakrishnan for his term in office.
GOPIO International Chairman Dr. Thomas Abraham said that although many Consuls come and go, the community organizations decided to give Consul Vijayakrishnan an appropriate send-off since he conducted his service above his call for duty by making himself available to serve the community 24/7 by sharing his cell phone to everyone.
In his reply to remarks, Vijayakrishnan said that he enjoyed fully working for the benefit of the Indian American community. He said that he encountered a lot of family disputes including violence against spouses and suggested that the community must pursue non-violence in any dispute.
Vijayakrishnan said that he had attended many regional community festivals and suggested to community organizations to invite some members of other Indian community organizations whenever any regional festivals are held. This would help better understanding and knowledge of Indian festivals among all our communities.
The Consul for Visa at the Indian Consulate Pragya Singh will have the additional charge of Consul for Community Affairs, who said at the meeting that she would continue the work of Consul Vijayakrishnan and is looking for community support.
