The Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) has announced its 2026 Biennial Convention in Mumbai, inviting nominations for awards recognizing outstanding contributions from the Indian diaspora.
The Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) is excited to announce that its 2026 Biennial Convention and Conference will take place from December 18 to 20, 2026, at the National Sports Club of India (NSCI) in Mumbai.
This three-day global gathering aims to unite leaders, professionals, entrepreneurs, academics, scientists, young achievers, community leaders, and prominent members of the Indian diaspora from around the world. The event will provide a platform for exchanging ideas, building partnerships, and strengthening connections between the global Indian diaspora and India.
The theme of the convention is “VIKASANA – Diaspora for Developed India.” This theme underscores GOPIO’s commitment to fostering collaboration between the global Indian diaspora and India’s development journey.
During the conference, participants will explore opportunities to connect the worldwide Indian diaspora with India’s expanding ecosystem of technology, capital, startups, mentors, and incubators. Sessions will cover a range of topics, including emerging technologies, investment opportunities, science and technology, entrepreneurship, the startup ecosystem, mentorship, and incubation.
A series of parallel sessions will address significant diaspora issues and highlight emerging leaders. Topics will include:
NRIs and PIOs Working Together to Achieve Common Goals
Diaspora Women and Their Growing Contributions Across Sectors
GOPIO Academic Council Roundtable
Diaspora Youth and Young Achievers
Diaspora Seniors – Ageing Gracefully
The conference is designed to promote dialogue, collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and new partnerships among participants from India and the global Indian diaspora.
Individuals interested in serving as speakers or panelists for any of the conference sessions are encouraged to reach out via email at gopio@optonline.net.
In addition to the conference, the event will feature the GOPIO Awards Banquet on the evening of December 19. This ceremony will honor outstanding NRIs and People of Indian Origin (PIOs) who have excelled through professional achievement, innovation, leadership, and service.
The awards will recognize individuals who have made significant contributions in various fields, including:
Science and engineering
Technology and innovation
Medicine and healthcare
Law
Business and entrepreneurship
Arts and literature
Performing arts
Public service
Entertainment
GOPIO will also acknowledge individuals who have demonstrated exceptional community service.
Nominations should include a brief biography detailing the nominee’s major achievements, honors and awards, community or public service, and complete contact information. The deadline for nominations is October 10, 2026. Interested parties can submit nominations to gopiointl.awards@gmail.com.
Participants can register for the convention and find information about convention fees and sponsorship opportunities through the registration link: GOPIO 2026 Convention Registration and Sponsorship.
For additional information about the convention, please contact Prakash Shah, President and Convener, or Siddarth Jain, Secretary and Co-Convener of GOPIO.
GOPIO looks forward to welcoming members, leaders, professionals, and friends of the global Indian diaspora to Mumbai for this important three-day celebration of achievement, collaboration, and the shared future of the Indian diaspora and India.
Dr. Thomas Abraham, Chairman of GOPIO International, emphasizes the organization’s mission to enhance cooperation and communication among NRIs and PIOs, as well as with the communities in which they reside.
Founded in 1989, GOPIO is a non-partisan, not-for-profit, secular organization with individual Life Members and chapter delegates representing more than 100 chapters in 35 countries. Through its global network, GOPIO seeks to build connections, friendships, alliances, and collaborative relationships among people of Indian origin and their communities worldwide.
GOPIO believes that by strengthening networks within the global Indian diaspora, it can contribute to creating a better future for the diaspora, the countries in which they live, and India.
The GOPIO logo is a trademark registered under the US Patent and Trademark Office, according to GOPIO.