Global Organization of People of Indian Origin – Connecticut Chapter (GOPIO-CT) has been participating in the Annual Stamford Day Celebration for the last three years. Stamford Day is a celebration of Stamford’s history and diversity. Stamford was founded on May 16th, 1641, 383 years ago and has grown into one of the most diverse cities in the country. Stamford Mayor’s Multicultural Council and Mill River Park Collaborative organized the Stamford Day 2024, as a free, fun, family-friendly event celebrating the rich history and cultural diversity of Stamford through presentations, activities, art, music, and dance on Sunday, June 2^nd at Mill River Park in Stamford.

Young Bollywood Dancers at the Celebration

Young Maharashtrian Dancers — Young Maharashtrian dancers

GOPIO-CT put together a fabulous program of dances from India performed by five dance groups and coordinated by Program Chair Mrs. Yaashi Jhangiani. Most non-profit civic, cultural and educational groups from Southern Connecticut were at the festival. Indian American community had the largest participation with 40 dancers.

Gujarati Folk Dancers — Gujarati Dancers at the Stamford Day Celebration

GOPIO-CT’s Exec VP Mahesh Jhangiani spoke about the chapter at the event. Jhangiani spoke about the chapter which has been serving the Southern Connecticut community for the last 18 years. Which includes raising funds for various charities, sponsoring soup kitchens at the New Covenant Center of Stamford and raising funds by participating in the annual walkathon for Bennet Cancer Center which provides help to Cancer patients and their families. Stamford Mayor Caroline Simmons spoke at the event thanked all community groups for their participation.

All dancers parents and GOPIO CT officials — All dancers, parents with GOPIO officials

GOPIO CT Officials with Stamford Mayor — Stamford Mayor Caroline Simmons with GOPIO-CT officials, from l. to r.: Exec. VP Mahesh Jhangiani, Advisor Dr. Thomas Abraham, Mayor Simmons, Trustee Prasad Chintalapudi and Jayashri Chintalapudi

Mill River Park is located in the Downtown Stamford and is like a Central Park for Stamford. A large crowd attended the celebration which had ethnic dances from different communities.

GOPIO-CT leadership team members are President Dr. Jaya Daptardar, Executive Vice President Mahesh Jhangiani, Vice President Prachi Narayan, Secretary Sushanth Krishnamurthy, Associate Secretary Ashvini Persaud and Treasurer Srinivas Akarapu. The General Body also elected Dr. Thomas Abraham and Totty Narang to the two open positions of Trustees. Continuing Trustees are Shelly Nichani (Chair), Joe Simon, Shailesh Naik and Prasad Chintalapudi. Up to 11 new Board Members will be appointed by the Executive Council.