GAMA EC Met with Union Cabinet Minister Honorable Shri.Vayalar Ravi at a Luncheon hosted by the Consulate General of Atlanta The Greater Atlanta Malayalee Association (GAMA) is honored & privileged to receive our Overseas Indian Affairs Minister, Honorable Shri. Vayalar Ravi to Atlanta. GAMA, the only Malayalee organization with 31 years of tradition and heritage is proud to have the presence of a Malayalee Union Cabinet Minister here in Atlanta. We take this opportunity to appreciate the hard work & achievements of our Minister and MOIA. GAMA EC Members had the opportunity to meet with the Minister, discussed and received the following updates: 1. The New Atlanta Indian Consulate Office would be fully functional and would start to receive all Consul Services by October 2012. The Consulate has already acquired a property in downtown Atlanta and is currently in the process of renovation. 2. The Consulate plans to collect $3 additional fees for all consul services which would be contributed towards the Indian Overseas Welfare Fund which would benefit the local Indian community. 3. The Minister assured to contribute towards building an Indian Community Center in Atlanta to benefit the Indian community in Atlanta, and GAMA vowed their support to the Minister in this venture. 4. GAMA EC Members discussed and expressed the concern towards establishing a direct flight service from Atlanta to India (Cochin, Trivandrum or Kozhikode). The Minister and the Consul General listened and assured that the concerns will be addressed with the appropriate people. We hope to have a direct flight option out of Atlanta in the near future. On behalf of the 2012 GAMA EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE