Southborough, Massachusetts: The Foundation of Indian Americans – New England (FIA-NE) and Team Aid hosted a farewell ceremony on March 22, 2025, in Southborough, Massachusetts, to honor Dr. Varun Jeph, India’s Deputy Consul-General at the Consulate General of India (CGI) in New York, for his “exceptional “contributions over the past four years.

FIA-NE in a statement acknowledged Dr. Jeph’s instrumental role in key initiatives, including:

• Facilitating the safe repatriation of Indian nationals during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Supporting consular camps across all states under the New York Consulate’s jurisdiction.
• Spearheading the International India Day Parade in Boston Harbor, a symbolic event linking the American Revolution with India’s Independence Movement.
• Advocating for a new Indian consulate in Boston, a move later announced by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to better serve the New England region.

During his address, Dr. Jeph fondly recalled his first Zoom meeting with Indian American community leaders in New England during the peak of the pandemic and the historic India Day Parade at Boston Harbor, both organized by FIA-NE. He also highlighted his close collaborations with Team Aid and other Indian organizations, expressing that Boston holds a special place in his heart.

He noted that when the opportunity arose, Boston quickly emerged as a prime location for India’s new consulate, which is set to become operational in the coming months.

Team Aid President Mohan Nannapaneni praised Dr. Jeph for his unwavering support in fostering cooperation between Team Aid and the CGI in New York.

FIA-NE President Abhishek Singh highlighted Dr. Jeph’s commitment to assisting Indian nationals, including stranded students, and his instrumental role in the Air India direct flight initiative and the establishment of the Boston consulate. Additionally, Singh praised Dr. Jeph for his support in organizing the historic International India Day Parade at Boston Harbor. 

The event brought together over 25 Indian American organizations from New England to honor Dr. Jeph’s dedicated service, particularly during the COVID-19 crisis.

Among the distinguished community leaders who joined the farewell reception include: New Hampshire State Representative Santosh Salvi, VHPA President Kaushik Patel,  Sandeep Asija ( FIA-BOT) IAGB President Tanu Phenix, TAGB President Anil Potluri, IAB President Deepa Agarwal, past President of UIA-NE Neela Gandhi, past Presidents of Gurudwara Committee Sarpreet Singh and Malkit Singh, Ekal Vidyalaya Executive Director Manisha Jain, Ekal Vidyalaya New England Chapter Presidents Virendra and Nisha Baba, Ayoti Foundation President Sunaina and Kamal Chauhan, Romy Selhi ( Apna Bazar), Adopt-a-Village President Dr. Saraswati, Rahat Foundation founder Sonali Doshi, Meena Bharat and Dr. Amitabha Lala from the Bengali Association. Other prominent community members including Shova Sharma, Meena Baharat and Poppy Chappyiyan were also in attendance.  

Community members expressed their deep appreciation for Dr. Jeph’s leadership and extended their best wishes for his future endeavors.

As part of the organizing committee at the event, Team Aid was represented by Mohan Nannapaneni, Srinivas Gondi, Shankar Magapu, Anil Potluri, Krishna Majeti and Srinivas Batchu. The FIA-NE was represented by Abhishek Singh, Sanjay Gokhale, Jyoti Singh, Rakesh Kavsari and Anand Sharma, Santosh Thawani, Shova Sharma, and Mohan Sonti.

Dr. Neela Gandhi, community leader and former President of UIA-NE emceed the ceremony. 

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