The Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) hosted a webinar celebrating the Indian diaspora’s achievements in global business, featuring prominent leaders and discussions on cultural and economic contributions.
The Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) successfully hosted its monthly webinar titled “Diaspora Indians – Trailblazers in Global Business Success” on January 10, 2026. The event brought together accomplished business leaders, professionals, and thought leaders from the United States, the United Kingdom, Africa, and India.
Held virtually, the webinar served as a powerful reflection on the journeys, resilience, and achievements of Indians who migrated abroad—often with limited resources—and went on to build globally successful enterprises. It also highlighted the Indian diaspora’s growing influence in shaping global business, innovation, and policy.
The session began with welcome remarks by Mr. Sunil Vuppula, GOPIO Associate Secretary and Chair of the Monthly Webinar Series. He introduced GOPIO Chairman Dr. Thomas Abraham and GOPIO International President Mr. Prakash Shah.
Dr. Abraham opened the event by extending greetings on the occasion of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, observed annually on January 9 to commemorate Mahatma Gandhi’s return to India from South Africa, a moment widely regarded as a turning point in India’s freedom struggle. He briefly outlined GOPIO’s founding in New York in 1989 and its mission to represent and empower the global Indian diaspora.
“The Indian diaspora today represents one of the most compelling success stories in global business and enterprise,” Dr. Abraham stated. “From pioneering industrialists and innovative entrepreneurs to leaders of major multinational corporations, members of the diaspora have demonstrated exceptional resilience, entrepreneurial excellence, and strategic vision. Their achievements continue to inspire generations of Indians worldwide.”
Mr. Prakash Shah followed with remarks tracing the deep historical roots of the Indian diaspora, noting that Indian influence abroad dates back centuries. He cited examples such as the Angkor Wat temple complex in Cambodia and discussed the journey of Indians taken as indentured laborers to Africa and the Caribbean under British rule—communities that today include some of the most successful business leaders in those regions.
Mr. Shah introduced the webinar moderator, Mr. Anil Bansal, President of First National Realty Management, who shared his own entrepreneurial journey. Mr. Bansal spoke about founding and selling a technology company, establishing Indus American Bank in New Jersey, and later becoming a prominent real estate investor.
He then introduced the keynote speaker, Dr. Bhuvan Lall, a noted writer, biographer, and documentary producer known for his works on Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, Lala Har Dayal, and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Dr. Lall is currently working on a major Hollywood film project.
In his keynote address, Dr. Lall spoke about the global success of Indian entrepreneurs, emphasizing their ability to retain Indian cultural values while achieving international recognition. He highlighted iconic figures such as Prof. Amar Gopal Bose, founder of Bose Corporation, and Lord Rami Ranger, who rose from humble beginnings to become a leading business figure and a member of the UK House of Lords.
Dr. Lall underscored the importance of viewing the Indian diaspora as a strategic global asset, calling for closer collaboration between the Government of India, Indian embassies, and diaspora organizations to harness this potential more effectively.
Dr. Kali Pradip Chaudhuri, Founder and Chairman of the KPC Group, urged Indians worldwide to focus on current and future challenges rather than resting on past achievements. He highlighted India’s growing economic strength and its potential under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, encouraging the diaspora to lead in knowledge, innovation, and education.
Lord Rami Ranger shared his deeply personal journey from India to the United Kingdom, describing how values, education, and long-term vision enabled him to build a business from £2 into a multi-million-pound enterprise. He emphasized the importance of political engagement and civic participation by the Indian diaspora, advocating for a UK–India free trade agreement and cooperation in defense manufacturing.
Responding to a question on the future of young Indian professionals, Dr. Chaudhuri stressed the importance of cultural pride, education, and preserving Indian languages and history. Lord Ranger reflected on India’s civilizational heritage, highlighting unity and education as enduring strengths that shape global influence.
Attorney and CPA Ms. Navneet Chugh provided insights into Indian immigration to the United States, noting that approximately 5.2 million Indians have entered the U.S. since 1965. She highlighted the community’s high levels of education and income, discussing the significance of the U.S. nonprofit sector, which accounts for nearly 10 percent of the U.S. economy, generating revenues of about $1.8 trillion.
Ms. Chugh also addressed economic disparities between India and China, observing that while both countries had similar per capita incomes in 1978, China’s per capita income reached approximately $17,000 by 2023, compared to India’s $4,000, resulting in a substantial gap.
During audience interaction, Dr. Abraham explained GOPIO’s evolution—from its early focus on addressing human rights violations against Indian communities worldwide to its current emphasis on political integration, civic engagement, and community service through nonprofit initiatives.
Mr. Shah highlighted the role of technology in connecting the global Indian community through regular webinars, while Mr. Bansal encouraged greater participation by younger members, including Ms. Manasvi Mangai, representing the next generation of Indian leadership.
The program concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Thomas Abraham, who announced an upcoming meeting on the Indian Diaspora Museum Project scheduled for January 17, 2026. Technical support for the webinar was provided by Ms. Vatsala Upadhyay, GOPIO Associate Secretary, according to Global Net News.