The Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) has established a task force to address rising anti-Indian bias incidents, focusing on civic engagement and coalition-building.
The Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) has announced the formation of a new task force aimed at documenting hate campaigns and civil rights violations against Indian Americans. This initiative comes in response to a concerning increase in bias incidents reported across the United States.
According to a news release from the Stamford, Connecticut-based community organization, the task force will focus on collecting reports of discrimination, providing support to affected individuals, and fostering a public response that aligns with constitutional values.
Chaired by Rajender Dichpally, the task force comprises members including Nagaraj Subbarao Sarma, Pankaj Sharma, Miraj Joshi, and Jayashri Chintalapudi. Community members are encouraged to report incidents through a dedicated email address and hotline established for this purpose.
The action plan was developed during a recent meeting of Indian American community leaders, convened by GOPIO, where participants expressed their concerns regarding the rising anti-Indian and anti-Hindu sentiment, particularly in online spaces. Leaders emphasized the importance of a response centered on civic engagement, coalition-building, and institutional dialogue, rather than confrontation.
Dr. Thomas Abraham, chairman of GOPIO USA, highlighted the challenges facing the Indian American community and stressed the necessity for strategic and responsible action. Prakash Shah, president of GOPIO International, noted that the recent hostility appears to originate from a small fringe group and does not reflect the broader attitudes of mainstream America.
Community representatives pointed out that Indian Americans have a long-standing history of peaceful integration and public service, significantly contributing to the nation’s economy and civic life. They hold leadership roles across various industries, including technology, medicine, finance, hospitality, and education, and represent a substantial portion of startups in Silicon Valley. Collectively, the community contributes hundreds of billions of dollars annually to the U.S. economy.
According to community leaders, the recent bias against Indian Americans is driven less by crime or social conflict and more by economic anxiety, politicized debates surrounding skilled immigration, racial profiling, and the proliferation of stereotypes through digital platforms. These dynamics necessitate ongoing engagement with policymakers, media organizations, and civil society groups.
In addition to monitoring incidents of bias, GOPIO’s strategy encompasses enhancing voter participation, expanding civic education, encouraging youth leadership, and fostering bipartisan outreach.
The organization has also called upon Indian Americans to increase their involvement in local communities, interfaith initiatives, and charitable efforts to strengthen social trust. Another critical aspect of their approach is coalition-building with other minority and faith-based groups to promote shared values of pluralism, inclusion, and social harmony. Collaboration is deemed essential to counteract digital hate while safeguarding free expression and democratic norms.
GOPIO reaffirmed its commitment to serving as a unifying platform for Indian American organizations, emphasizing the importance of coordination over duplication of efforts. “The Indian diaspora’s story is one of contribution, integration, and shared prosperity,” the group stated, suggesting that the community’s response to current challenges should reflect these same principles.
As the task force begins its work, it aims to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for Indian Americans, reinforcing their contributions to the fabric of American society.
According to The American Bazaar, the task force’s formation highlights the proactive steps being taken by the Indian American community to address rising incidents of bias and discrimination.