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Virginia: Indian American community leaders, and diplomats gathered on June 16 at the Great Falls residence of Anu and Anil Sharma for a farewell reception honoring Jagmohan, the outgoing (Minister) Community Affairs at the Embassy of India in Washington D.C.
Speakers at the event praised Jagmohan for his “dedication, humility, and accessibility” throughout his tenure, highlighting his efforts to strengthen ties between the Indian diaspora and India. Several community leaders described him as an “outstanding officer” who remained available to assist community members at all hours.
Addressing attendees, Jagmohan expressed gratitude for the support he received from the community during his posting in Washington.
He said it was wonderful to be “surrounded” by many “familiar faces” and described it as a “privilege” to have worked with members of the community during his time at the Embassy. Reflecting on his tenure, he noted that his official responsibilities enabled him to engage extensively with the community and that he greatly valued the support extended to him.
“I am leaving this place as a very satisfied person. Whatever little we have been able to achieve, it was due to your support,” he said. “I never treated serving the community as a responsibility, it was like serving your own family. You are part of the immediate family to me, and you never allowed me to feel as if I am away from my family.”
Jagmohan said he would leave Washington with “countless” cherished memories and pointed to the growing strength of the U.S.-India partnership that he witnessed during his three-and-a-half-year tenure.
“I’m really grateful each one of you,” he said, while urging community members to extend the same support to his successor, who is expected to join soon.
He also thanked Anil Sharma, his wife Anu Sharma, and their family for hosting the gathering. Acknowledging the “friendship and warmth” shown by community members, he added, “Our path will cross again whenever you come to that side of world, and I am sure God will give us enough opportunities to interact in future as well.”
Host Anil Sharma, CEO of 22nd Century Technologies, said Jagmohan had become like a family member to the community and had supported countless individuals during his tenure, setting the bar “very high” for those who follow.
“We will definitely miss you,” Sharma said, adding that the community looks forward to welcoming him back to Washington in the future.
Among those paying tribute was Alok Srivastava, president of the United Hindu Jain Temples Association, who described Jagmohan as a dedicated and approachable officer.
“He is such a humble and dedicated man, available 24/7. There are even incidents when people are calling him at midnight for visa and passport issues,” Srivastava said.
He also noted the personal sacrifices Jagmohan made while serving away from his family for the past three years. Jagmohan’s wife, Dr. Puja Chauhan, is a professor at Vardhman Mahavir Medical College and Safdarjung Hospital in New Delhi.
Former Indian Ambassador to Cambodia and Chile Pradeep Kapur described Jagmohan as an “outstanding officer” and a valuable “asset” and “resource” for the community.
Commending his contributions, Kapur said the volume of work undertaken by Jagmohan during his tenure was “absolutely phenomenal.”
There is widespread “recognition, appreciation, acknowledgement” for the work he has done, Kapur added.
Founder of the Indian American Business Impact Group, Ravi Puli also reflected on Jagmohan’s personal warmth and humility, noting that despite being an Indian Police Service (IPS) officer, he never carried himself with formality or distance.
Puli said Jagmohan helped hundreds of community members, building strong relationships during his tenure in Washington.
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