Speaking on the occasion, Ambassador Prabhu Dayal, Consul General of India, extended his season’s greetings and best wishes for Christmas to all the participants.  He reflected on the secular traditions of India and the Consulate’s special endeavours in celebrating various religious festivals, including Dussehra, Diwali, Baisakhi, Eid and Christmas etc. and thanked the community members for their active and enthusiastic participation in all the events organized at the Consulate.

A 30-member Chamber Choir of the Herricks High School and a group of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints sung various carols songs which were thoroughly enjoyed and drew continuous applause from the participants.

Various community leaders including Prof. Blair Williams, President of the Anglo Indian community, Dr. Thomas Abraham, Chairman of GOPIO and Ms. Suzy Abraham of the Indian Overseas National Congress thanked Ambassador Prabhu Dayal for reaching out to all the community members and keeping them together by way of holding such events and conveyed their Christmas greetings and best wishes to all the participants.

About 100 persons including eminent members of the Christian community from the Tri-State Area, members of the Indian American community and their associations and media representatives participated and enjoyed the gaiety and festive ambience of the celebrations.