Houston CGI's contribution lauded by Indian-American groups

Over 20 major Indian-American organisations have praised the work of the outgoing Indian Consul General here, saying he immensely contributed towards improving consular services and championing the cause of trade.
Twenty-two Indo-American organisations organised a community-wide farewell dinner in honour of Harish Parvathaneni, who has been assigned to report as Indian Ambassador to Vietnam in April.
Parvathaneni has been serving as the Consul General of India in Houston since July, 2012.
"It is a testament to the popularity of the Consul General and a reflection of the outstanding consular services he and his consulate are providing for our community. Harish has set a high benchmark," said Jagdip Ahluwalia, Executive Director of Indo-American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Houston.

He also expressed his appreciation for the Consul General immense contribution from improving consular services to championing the cause of trade between Houston and India, from encouraging Houstonians to practice Suryanamaskars to promoting Indian art and culture in Houston.
Video messages from several organisations were played, appreciating Consul General's positive contribution and attendees joined in an impromptu chorus of "he's a jolly good fellow" from the ICC group recording.

Thanking the gathering for their friendship and warmth, Parvathaneni stated that it is "our duty, our dharma to do what we have been sent to do."
He spoke of his efforts to improve Consular services starting from improving the facilities at the Consulate, greater accessibility and the installation of an emergency number for weekends and off duty hours so that the consular experience is "seamless".

"We realised the magnitude of the Houston assignment when we greeted almost 300 guests at the Independence Day function. We felt so encouraged by the warmth and friendship that each one of you showed to us that day," Harish said.
The Republic Day function also provided an indication of the problems at the Consulate.
"At the reception, one of the guests asked me to look at the access to the Consulate and the lack of toilets for Consular applicants. This comment made me wonder how this could be an important issue. But it did turn out to be a significant issue. We addressed it within a day," he said.