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The National Council of Asian Indian Associations (NCAIA) hosted a farewell reception for outgoing Second Secretary (Visa) Rajiv Ahuja of the Embassy of India on August 7 at Aroma Restaurant in Fairfax, Virginia.
Speakers at the event highlighted Ahuja’s contributions to the Indian community over the past four years, including his “responsiveness and dedication” in addressing passport, Overseas Citizen of India (OCI), and visa-related issues. Ahuja is expected to take up his next assignment in Guatemala soon.
After listening to remarks from NCAIA members, an emotional Ahuja said in his address that “helping” people was easier than “giving speeches.” He expressed gratitude to the members, acknowledging the “love and affection” shown by the community over the years and at the farewell reception.
“I can’t express my gratitude more than what has been said about me. But it’s not just about me. I am just a small part of it. It’s teamwork,” Ahuja said, crediting the Embassy’s leadership and the dedication of his colleagues in serving the community every day.
Ahuja said the Government of India values its relationship with the diaspora and wants to make consular services more “accessible and convenient.” He said the government has instructed Embassy officials to be “more responsive” and to keep “improving” services for the diaspora.
Ahuja touched upon the vision of the leadership at the Embassy to open 9 new Indian Consular Application Centers in USA in 2025, opening of these Centers on Saturdays and provision of many value added services at these Centers on a gratis basis. He noted this as a very important step towards making the consular delivery mechanism more robust, extensive and accessible for the Indian diaspora in USA, and as a strong reflection of the importance which it ascribes to the welfare of the diaspora in USA.
Ahuja described his work, in the broader scheme of things, as his “small contribution.”
NCAIA Trustee Chairman Sunil Singh commended Ahuja and shared personal anecdotes about his dedication and support during the COVID-19 pandemic and other challenging periods. Singh recalled his frequent professional and personal interactions with Ahuja and said that, over the years, Ahuja had become part of his family.
“I am sure a lot of people have benefited from his help,” Singh said, adding that he had personally brought hundreds of cases to Ahuja’s attention and that they were promptly addressed.
NCAIA Chairperson Nayna Desai also paid tribute to Ahuja, highlighting his family-oriented nature and contributions to the community. She recalled a case in which Ahuja assisted a community member with a passport renewal, citing it as an example of his prompt and efficient service.
“He has not only helped our community, but has helped my family as well,” Desai recalled.
NCAIA President Srinivas Tatipamula spoke about his personal and professional relationship with Ahuja, including the diplomat’s assistance with passport, OCI, and visa matters. Avni Tatipamula, wife of the NCAIA president, spoke about Ahuja’s wife, Parul, and her involvement in the community, expressing appreciation for the couple’s support.
Counselor (Personnel and Community Affairs) Debesh Kumar Behera expressed his pleasure at attending the farewell reception and acknowledged Ahuja’s contributions to both the Embassy and the community. Behera described Ahuja as an “Amazing Ambassador” of the Embassy.
First Secretary (Consular) Vinayak Patil highlighted Ahuja’s dedication and service to the community, conveyed the Embassy’s appreciation for his work, and wished him success in his next assignment.
Former NCAIA President Yogendra Gupta and several others also spoke at the reception. Surekha Jaddoo and Sirisha Samala served as coordinators for the event.
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