Mr. Shailesh Lakhtakia, spent nearly three years as Head of Chancery and Consul (Consular and Community Relations) at the Consulate General of India, Atlanta. He was closely connected with the Indian and Indo-American Community. During his stay, he handled various important issues which included expediting the issue of Indian Passports by having in-house printing facility installed, streaming the Indian Visa process, helping Indian students caught in the Visa issue in the fake University of Farmington established in Michigan, helping the community affected by Hurricanes in Florida, and lastly helping the people when Covid hit in 2020 through active community outreach, medical assistance and arranging special Air India flights to India. Recognizing his work towards the community, city of Cooper City, Broward County, Florida, declared 15 August 2020 as 'Shailesh Lakhtakia Day'.
After his retirement in July 2020, Mr. Lakhtakia moved to India during the Covid times at his permanent place in near New Delhi. An active person, he was confined to his home due to the spread of the Covid menace in India in 2021. However, he could not be held back for long and in consonance with his personality for helping the community, he joined the 25 year old Dadhichi Deh Dan Samiti (www.dehdan.org) which has been awarded by the Government of India as India's best NGO in the field of donation of eyes, body organs and whole body, the last one being for the medical school students. He has since motivated others to join this movement which is akin to giving life after the end of one's own life.
Equipped with a Law Degree from the University of Lucknow in the First Division, he was urged by the Delhi High Court to join as Special Metropolitan Magistrate taking into account his qualifications and international experience. After following the mandatory administrative procedure, he was sworn in as Special Metropolitan Magistrate on 09 January 2023 by Ms Anju Bajaj Chandna, Acting Principal Judge, District and Sessions Court, Tis Hazari, Delhi. Mr. Shailesh Lakhtakia is expected to discharge his duties as per the law of the land but more importantly to inspire and educate people towards having a better society.
When he was in Atlanta Mr. Shailesh attanded as a Chief Guest to various indian associations' community events. He promoted Sankara Nthralaya USA (www.SankaraNethralayaUSA.org) services and activities in Indian community. He was also part of Ghantasala Centennial Celebrations TV shows.
