Page 18 - The Indian EYE 122923

NORTH AMERICAN Newsline DECEMBER 29, 2023 | The Indian Eye 18

FIA, Chicago, and Indian Consulate

organize an OCI & Passport Camp

OUR BUREAU
Chicago, IL

IA, Chicago in partnership with
the Consulate General of India
FOffice in Chicago organized an
OCI camp at Manav Seva Mandir,
Bensenville, Il on Dec 10 th, 2023. The
camp was attended by more than 500
people of Indian descent families.
The camp had focused mainly on
two issues faced by the Indian diaspo-
ra – OCI Card and Passport issues.
Consul General Hon. Mr. Somnath
Ghosh was magnanimous enough to
extend all the support from his of-
fice and more than six consulate staff
members manned the inquiry and
processing desk to answer and process
the paperwork for OCI Cards.
The event, aimed at providing Dr Rashmi Patel President, Mr. Nitin Patel (Ex. VP), FIA Team, The Consul General and VSF Representative
comprehensive assistance to the Indi-
an diaspora and OCI cardholders, wit-
nessed enthusiastic participation from
the community. The collaborative
efforts between the Federation of In-
dian Associations and the Consulate
General Chicago Office once more
highlighted the commitment to foster-
ing strong ties and enhancing support
for the Indian community abroad.
Unprecedented Interest: The
overwhelming response from the
community, as evidenced by more
than 1000 telephonic phone inquiries,
showcases the high demand for OCI
services and assistance. addressing queries related to OCI Representative expressed gratitude ty and resources for this event. He also
Community Engagement: The cards. for the FIA initiative and the commu- thanked all the participants for their
Federation of Indian Associations, • Indian Passport Services: Attendees nity’s active participation. They stated, active involvement including appreci-
Chicago initiative, and full support had the opportunity to engage with “The OCI Camp reflects our ongoing ating the volunteering work done by
from the Chicago Consulate Office, consular officials, seeking guidance commitment to providing essential the Women Empowering Group. He
facilitated a robust platform for com- and support on various consular services and support to the Indian di- also thanked the youth empowering
munity engagement, fostering a sense matters, ensuring a seamless expe- aspora. We are grateful for the part- group for their excellent services.
of unity and support. rience for all. nership with the Federation of Indian Dr. Bhart Bhai Barai, communi-
Registrations: More than 550 • Informational Sessions: Expert-led Associations, which has contributed to ty pillar, praised the super success of
individuals registered for the OCI informational sessions were con- the success of this event. the camp and said that our community
camp, demonstrating the communi- ducted, covering topics such as legal Dr, Rashmi Patel President of needs this type of camp at least twice a
ty’s eagerness to avail themselves of rights, cultural exchange programs, the Federation of Indian Associations year. He appreciated the presence of
the essential services provided by the and updates on the latest develop- Chicago remarked, “Collaborating the EC committee members Mr. Nitin
Consulate General Office. ments related to OCI regulations. with the [Embassy/Consulate Gen- Patel (Ex. VP), Mr. Vijendra Doma,
Active Participation: The camp • Adhaar card and Pan Card: The eral] for this OCI Camp has been a and Dr. Hament Patel, who worked
witnessed the active participation of event also featured queries and as- significant step towards strengthen- hard for the success of this event.
590 individuals who took advantage sistance filling out forms and form ing our community bonds. We look Dr. Rashmi Patel informed that
of the services offered, including new attestation. forward to more such initiatives that to make this camp a success FIA pro-
applications. • Visa applications: Participants had benefit the Indian diaspora.” vided 7 laptops 3 printers/scanners.
• OCI Card Services: The camp of- the chance to apply for an Indian Furthermore, Dr. Rashmi Patel Manish Jain and Aalap Patel provid-
fered a streamlined process for Visa and submit the applications for extended his heartfelt appreciation ed Notary services throughout the day
various OCI services, including the same. to Manav Seva Mandir and its volun- pro bono.
new applications, re-issuance, and The Consul General and VSF teers for allowing us to use their facili- --Asian Media USA

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