Former Consul General Dr. Swati Kulkarni’s contributions celebrated by Rep. Buddy Carter in Congress

BY JYOTHSNA HEGDE

Atlanta, GA, May 3, 2024: Rep. Buddy Carter (R-GA) celebrated the achievements of Dr. Swati Kulkarni, who served as Consul General of India, Atlanta, between 2018 and 2023, in the well of the Congress.

She was honored in the 170th Congressional Record 29 (2024) Proceedings and Debates of the 118th Congress, Second Session (statement of Hon. “Buddy” Carter of GA). The Congressional Record is the official record of the proceedings and debates of the United States Congress. It is published daily when Congress is in session.

In his address, Carter thanked Dr. Kulkarni for her time serving as the Consul General of India, Atlanta. Dr. Kulkarni, whom he noted initially aspired to pursue a career in medicine, made a pivotal shift to Foreign Service. Outlining her service over diverse locations such as Oman, South Africa, and the United Kingdom, Carter said Dr. Kulkarni, understanding the “responsibility of representing a country with a flourishing economic profile and a population constituting one-fifth of the world, she realized the importance of looking beyond her own community.

Through her tenure, he noted, Dr. Kulkarni conducted a series of more than 150 meetings with elected officials across the southern United States. This extensive outreach included interactions with 7 governors, over 20 mayors, and more than 20 congressional leaders. Her efforts, he said, “were aimed at building alliances and fostering connections that extended beyond regional and cultural boundaries. As a testament to her dedication, Swati Kulkarni was honored with flowers and a plaque commemorating her impactful contributions, marking a momentous occasion in her diplomatic journey.” He concluded by thanking Dr. Kulkarni for her “important diplomatic work.” Dr. Kulkarni, a native of Mumbai, holds an M.B.B.S. degree from the Government Medical College, Nagpur, India. She joined the Indian Foreign Service in 1995 and served as the Consul General in Cape Town, South Africa (2012-2014) and Deputy Head of Mission in Muscat, Oman (2008-2012).

Dr. Swati Kulkarni, a career diplomat, had made significant contributions during her tenure as the Consul General of India in Atlanta. Some of the key aspects of Dr. Kulkarni’s body of work include Vaccine Drive, Diplomacy, and Economic Recovery, and Structural Reforms where Dr. Kulkarni played a crucial role. India launched the world’s largest vaccination campaign, with over 9.42 million people vaccinated as of February 17, 2021. India’s commitment extended beyond its borders through the Vaccine Maitri initiative, delivering vaccines to 25 countries as grant assistance or on a commercial basis. This effort reinforced India’s image as the “pharmacy of the world” and showcased its responsible global citizenship. Dr. Swati Kulkarni’s contributions exemplified India’s commitment to global health, economic recovery, and strong diplomatic ties.

Dr. Kulkarni’s tenure in Atlanta was marked by her commitment to community engagement. She encouraged unity by organizing a grand United Diwali Fest, bringing together diverse sections of the community. Her collaborations, resourcefulness, and ability to present India’s views to the United States were widely appreciated. Representatives from across the southeast attended her farewell event, reflecting the goodwill she fostered during her time in Atlanta.

Upon her arrival as the third consul general of India in Atlanta in 2018, Dr. Swati Kulkarni appealed to hundreds of community organizations to come together to host a single Diwali celebration, and the United Diwali Fest shaped up quickly attracting crowds from all factions of the community. That spirit of unifying diverse sections permeated all through her tenure in Atlanta culminating in a grand farewell organized by Nitin Shah, Chairman and CEO, Embassy Bank, and Jeet Thakker at the Crowne Plaza in Norcross on October 8, 2023.

Cover photo courtesy: Rep. Buddy Carter’s website. Image used for representation purposes only.