The Connecticut Chapter of the Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO-CT) recently organized a seminar aimed at emphasizing the importance of girls’ education, hygiene, health, nutrition, and women’s empowerment in rural regions of Maharashtra, India. The event, held on Saturday, May 31 at the Stamford Hampton Inn and Suites, was part of an ongoing collaboration with the Society for Human and Environment Development (SHED), a Maharashtra-based non-profit that has long worked to improve educational and health outcomes for underserved communities.
SHED operates several schools in the densely populated Dharavi slums of Mumbai as well as in tribal areas, while also delivering health services to rural populations. At the seminar, SHED’s Vice President and Trustee Asad Latif, along with Executive Council Member Prakash Kundalia, detailed the organization’s impactful work during a session moderated by GOPIO Life Member Biru Sharma. The session offered attendees insight into the various challenges and progress made in improving conditions for young girls in Maharashtra.
One of SHED’s notable partnerships is with the Akshara Foundation, with whom they have launched a Computer Literacy Program across four slum areas in Mumbai: Dharavi, Mahakali, Saphale, and Palghar. According to SHED, this program has made over 50,000 individuals employable, including 30,000 women. It aims to bridge the digital divide in low-income communities by offering vocational computer training that leads to greater job opportunities.
In tribal regions where access to healthcare is limited, SHED has established Health Centers that provide essential primary medical services. More severe or complex cases are referred to larger hospitals, such as Bhaktivedanta Hospital located in Meera Road. These centers serve as a crucial health lifeline in areas that often lack even basic medical facilities.
Speaking at the seminar, Asad Latif highlighted the scale of SHED’s long-term vocational training programs aimed at empowering women. “Over the past five decades, SHED’s vocational training initiatives have empowered 1.5 million women to become self-reliant and support their families,” he said. The programs offer women not only skill development but also a pathway to financial independence, which has significantly improved household stability in these regions.
Prakash Kundalia focused on the correlation between sanitation facilities and school dropout rates among adolescent girls. He emphasized that improving sanitation is crucial to ensuring girls can continue their education without disruptions caused by lack of privacy and hygiene. “SHED has constructed 42,000 hygienic toilets till date,” Kundalia noted, highlighting the massive scale of their sanitation efforts. He added that SHED is currently working on finalizing the construction of toilets in 10 municipal schools in Maharashtra, with the goal of reducing absenteeism and promoting health awareness among female students.
In a generous gesture of support, GOPIO-CT President Mahesh Jhangiani presented a donation check of $25,000 to SHED for the construction of these girls’ toilets at the municipal schools. This financial contribution underscores GOPIO-CT’s commitment to advancing gender equality through practical support that addresses on-the-ground challenges.
The seminar was well-attended by several GOPIO leaders and community figures. Among them were GOPIO International Chairman Dr. Thomas Abraham and Secretary Siddharth Jain, along with GOPIO-CT Vice President Nandu Kuppuswamy, Board Member Meera Banta, and Past Presidents Shailesh Naik and Ashok Nichani. Their presence reinforced the organization’s unified stance on social responsibility and global solidarity with Indian communities facing systemic issues.
GOPIO-CT has a long-standing history of civic engagement and community service. A chapter of GOPIO International, GOPIO-CT has emerged over the last 19 years as an active and vibrant organization committed to improving the lives of people of Indian origin both locally and globally. Through its various programs, it fosters dialogue with policymakers, promotes academic exchange, organizes youth mentoring workshops, and collaborates with regional organizations to effect positive change.
The organization defines itself as a non-partisan, secular civic body that strives to raise awareness about Indian traditions, culture, and the contributions of the Indian diaspora. Through forums, public events, and community activities, GOPIO-CT seeks to build bridges between cultures while advocating for the development of underprivileged communities. Its commitment to youth engagement and networking has also helped to strengthen the voice and visibility of the Indian American community in Connecticut and beyond.
The collaboration between GOPIO-CT and SHED reflects a shared vision for social progress through education and health initiatives. Their joint efforts demonstrate that diaspora organizations can play a significant role in addressing socio-economic issues in India by mobilizing resources and spreading awareness among the global Indian community.
The recent seminar not only highlighted SHED’s significant contributions in Maharashtra but also showcased how diaspora-led organizations like GOPIO-CT can leverage their platforms to advocate for global development causes. The event concluded with calls to action for attendees to contribute to or support similar initiatives, particularly those targeting the needs of girls and women in marginalized communities.
As the partnership moves forward, both GOPIO-CT and SHED remain committed to fostering long-term, sustainable improvements in education and health infrastructure in India. Their work stands as a testament to the power of collaboration across continents, uniting people through a common purpose of equity, empowerment, and community upliftment.