Organized by the Connecticut Chapter of the Global Organization (GOPIO-CT) had a combination of everything that one would want, catering to the diverse needs of the attendees ranging from a toddler to seniors.
The celebrations began with the flag hoisting at the Stamford Government Center, a ceremony with elected Connecticut officials and dignitaries. The celebrations with a colorful festival then continued at the Mill River Park in Stamford.
Indian Consul Pragya Singh who is the Consul for Visa and Community Affairs at the Indian Consulate was the honored guest. In her address, she highlighted the accomplishments and contributions of the Diaspora. “I’m very proud to say that the numbers prove that you have broken many barriers to become one of the most successful immigrant groups in the US. Indian Americans comprise only 1% of the US population, but across all the sectors, you pay 5 to 6% of income tax. You lead 16 of the Fortune 500 companies, which collectively employ 7 million Americans and generate nearly 1 trillion USD in revenue.”
Half a dozen elected officials from Connecticut spoke and lauded the contributions of the Indian Diaspora locally and nationally, and praised the strong values that govern the strategic relationship between India and the US. Connecticut General Assembly issued a citation congratulating GOPIO-CT as it celebrated India Day. The citation was initiated by State Rep. Mat Blumenthal, along with several other Connecticut State Representatives and Senators honoring India for its 77th |Anniversary and Indian Americans for their success and contributions in the United States of America.
Stamford Mayor Caroline Simmons proclaimed August 11th as India Independence Day in Stamford to commemorate Indian Independence and thank the dedication of the Indian American community.
Honored guests who attended the felicitated Indfia and are Stamford Mayor Caroline Simmons, Darien First Selectman Jon Zagrodzky, CT State Senator Ryan Fazio (Senate 36th District, Greenwich/Stamford/New Canaan), CT Senator Bob Duff (Norwalk/Darien), CT Senator Patricia Billie Miller (Senate 27th District Stamford/Darien), and State Representatives Matt Blumenthal (147th District, Stamford/Darien), Anabel Figueroa (148th District, Stamford) and Rachel Khanna (149th Greenwich/Stamford).
Kite flying and an India Festival with colorful Folk and Classical Dances of India, Music, and Bollywood Dances were a treat for everyone to cherish. There were vendors, who displayed and sold Indian cuisine, Indian arts and crafts, Indian clothing, and other items. Free Carousel rides were provided for young children. For the third year in a row, GOPIO-CT honored High School graduates from the region. Nearly two dozen students were honored with Certificates of Achievement by GOPIO-CT.
Stamford resident Dr. Anita Mathur was honored with the 2024 Indian Independence Liberty Award. Having completed a long career at the United Nations, Dr. Mathur has a history of active community engagement and a great volunteer with GOPIO-CT. Serving as a GOPIO Board Member since 2018, Dr. Mathur has contributed to key GOPIO initiatives, including the Stamford Hospital Bennet Cancer Center Walkathon, Ferguson Public Library, Youth Mental Health Alliance and others. She is currently also serving in many non-profit community service organizations.
The celebration was hosted by Mill River Park Collaborative and the sponsors are First County Bank, Keller William Prestige Properties Associate Sonali Zullurwar and Braj Aggarwal CPA. The key organizer of the event was GOPIO-CT President Dr. Jaya Daptardar and the program is chaired by GOPIO-CT Secretary Sushanth Krishnamurthy and Co-Chaired by GOPIO-CT Board member Sonali Gannu.
In her presidential address, Dr. Jaya Daptardar described the mission and vision of GOPIO-CT under her leadership. “Our mission at GOPIO-CT is to be active participants in the local community through involvement in community events and local politics, and by providing services to the Indian community at large here in Connecticut. This lofty goal of providing services and a political voice to the local Indian population has evolved into an exemplary community service organization thanks to the tremendous support of our local Indian community.”
Describing some of the programs GOPIO-CT initiates, Bhat said, GOPIO members serve in local soup kitchens, do walkathons to support cancer patients, and jointly celebrate Diwali and India’s Independence Day with the members of multiple Indian groups in our community. “This year we want to take our mission a step further and become the voice of Indian Americans living in Connecticut. This lofty goal is not easy to reach without your support. Please become a member of GOPI-CT and make our goals come true,” she said.
“The Indian American community has done very well in Corporate America and now in political arena too and in Connecticut it is a growing community consisting generally IT and management professionals, healthcare workers and a large number of entrepreneurs in hospitality, Hedge Fund and small businesses,” said Dr. Thomas Abraham, Chairman of GOPIO International and Trustee/Advisor to GOPIO-CT.
Over the last 19 years, GOPIO-CT, a chapter of GOPIO International has become an active and dynamic organization hosting interactive sessions with policymakers and academicians, community events, youth mentoring and networking workshops, and working with other area organizations to help create a better future. GOPIO-CT – Global Organization of People of Indian Origin – serves as a non-partisan, secular, civic, and community service organization – promoting awareness of Indian culture, customs, and contributions of PIOs through community programs, forums, events and youth activities. It seeks to strengthen partnerships and create an ongoing dialogue with local communities.
