BY RAVI R PONANGI
The Indian Ambassador to the US, Ronen Sen, was the chief guest at the 4th annual gala banquet organized by the Georgia Indo American Chamber of Commerce (GIACC) at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Atlanta on October 9th, where he met a large section of the main stream as well as the Indian American business community. The Ambassador interacted with individuals, elected representatives and government officials. He also addressed couple of press conferences.

While addressing the well attended gathering, the ambassador explained various steps taken to improve the relationship and strengthen the partnership between India and the United States of America; especially progress on economic reforms. He also spoke about the recent visit of the Prime Minister of India Manmohan Singh to US and his meeting with President Bush. Both (premiers) declare that the relationship between India and the United States has never been as good as it is today, he said. "They agreed that the topmost priority is to make the world a safer place- that is to combat international terrorism. They agreed to join the two democracies in the fight against terrorism, and above all to fulfill their commitments," he added. Both countries noted the importance of more trade and investment between the two countries, he said. He commended the efforts of the GIACC in establishing trade between Georgia and India.

Mark Taylor, Lt. Governor of Georgia, who was the guest of honor at this event welcomed the newly appointed ambassador. He also briefed the gathering about the economic scenario and opportunities available to investors in Georgia. He appreciated India on many fronts and appreciated India’s effective election process and the honoring of commitments of previous governments by new governments. He informed the business group present that the issues of small business that were brought to his attention, would be sorted out soon.

Ambassador Ronen Sen presented the friend of GIACC award to Prashant Shah, publisher of India Tribune. Ravi R. Ponangi, Atlanta correspondent of India Tribune received the award on behalf of Shah. Speaking about the awardee, Dr. Narsi Narasimhan, the awards committee chair said that Prashant Shah was being presented the friend of GIACC award at an individual level. Shah, is a resident of Chicago, IL. Other awardees of the Friends of GIACC included Delta Airlines at the corporate level and Ms.Lind Dubler, Arts media director of Atlanta High Museum

Earlier Kirtan Patel, the current president of GIACC gave an update on various activities of GIACC. He informed the gathering that GIACC was formed on the simple principle of promoting and fostering trade and tourism between India and Georgia. He told the gathering that 67 quality events were organized since the inception of GIACC five years ago. GIACC consistently focused on quality speakers to educate Georgians about business opportunities in one of the largest democracies in the world, he said. 

Patel also informed that the GIACC sponsors an Indian film festival in Atlanta every year, and guides prominent Indian film makers to consider Georgia as one of the destinations for film making. Later on, he introduced his team and said these volunteers are committed to making the Georgia-India bilateral trade feasible, meaningful and successful. 

Kenneth Cutshah, Honorary Consul of India in Atlanta and SR Tayal, Consul General of India, Houston were also present on the occasion.