Indian Ambassador to US Nirupama Rao inaugurates new CGI building

HOUSTON: A new spacious Consulate General of India here in the oil-rich US state of Texas has been jointly inaugurated to better serve the growing Indian American community.

Indian Ambassador to US Nirupama Rao and Mayor of Houston jointly Annise D Parker inaugurated the premises in an impressive ceremony which was attended mostly by Indian American community.

This was Rao's first visit to Houston, largest city in Texas, after she was appointed Indian Ambassador in August this year.

The two storey sprawling and centrally located building, purchased by Government of India, has a total area of 24,829 sq ft and built-up area of 18,500 sq ft.

The new premises would further enhance the Consulate's capacity to serve the Indian American community.

During her visit to Houston, Rao gave a lecture on "A perspective on India-US global strategic partnership" at Rice University, which was open to public.

Rao also held meetings with CEOs of energy companies and other business leaders at a luncheon meet hosted by Dr Renu Khator, Chancellor of the University of Houston (UH) System & President of UH, which was followed by a meeting with Indian students at the main campus.

Ambassador Rao was also the Chief Guest at the 12th Annual Gala of the Indo-American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Houston (IACCGH) held at the Intercontinental Hotel.

Consulate General of India, Houston was established in October 1995 and has a jurisdiction over 9 states of USA - Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma and Texas.

There has been substantial expansion of the Consulate's volume of work and activities since its inception.