The Global Organization of People of Indian Origin – Connecticut Chapter hosted a Youth and Young Professionals Luncheon, providing mentorship and guidance for students navigating college and career paths.
The Global Organization of People of Indian Origin – Connecticut Chapter (GOPIO-CT) held its annual Youth and Young Professionals Luncheon and Networking Event on December 24, 2025. The gathering brought together high school students, college undergraduates, graduate students, parents, and professionals for an enriching afternoon focused on mentorship, guidance, and networking.
Hosted at the Hampton Inn & Suites, the event aimed to assist young people in navigating critical academic and personal transitions. Designed as a practical and interactive forum, it sought to demystify the college admissions process, provide an honest look at university life, and offer actionable strategies for long-term academic success and career development.
A key highlight of the afternoon was a panel discussion titled “College and Beyond.” This session featured students and professionals from leading universities and industries, moderated by Subha Pandalai, Head of IT at J.M. Wright Technical High School in Stamford. Pandalai guided a candid conversation tailored to students at various stages of their educational journeys.
The panel included a diverse group of speakers: Amika Chavan, a freshman at the University of Maryland; Nitish Gannu, a sophomore at Cornell University; Aryan Wadhwa, a junior at Purdue University; Brian Thomas, a junior at the NYU Stern School of Business; Jay Rathod, a senior at the University of Connecticut; Vedant Gannu, a graduate student at Columbia University and a professional at Google; Sandesh Gawande, CEO of ICEDQ.AI; and Mirat Joshi, Director and Global Strategic & Regulatory Initiatives Leader at Citibank and Secretary of GOPIO-CT.
The event commenced with welcoming remarks from GOPIO-CT Vice President Sonali Gannu, who underscored the importance of community-driven mentorship. She emphasized that programs like this are crucial for helping young people make informed decisions during their formative years. Introductory remarks were provided by GOPIO Chairman and GOPIO-CT Advisor and Trustee Dr. Thomas Abraham, who highlighted the organization’s long-standing commitment to youth empowerment and leadership development.
Panelists shared personal insights drawn from their own experiences. Addressing the transition to college life, Cornell sophomore Nitish Gannu remarked, “College brings freedom with accountability. You’re no longer told what to do every step of the way—you have to be intentional about who you become, not just what you study.”
Emphasizing the importance of mentorship, UConn senior Jay Rathod advised students to be proactive in building relationships. “Show up consistently, ask thoughtful questions, and build genuine relationships long before you need a recommendation,” he said, stressing that mentorship is cultivated over time, not at the last minute.
On the topic of advanced education, Vedant Gannu offered a nuanced perspective on pursuing graduate studies. “A master’s degree is worth pursuing when it deepens expertise, opens doors, or accelerates growth beyond what industry experience alone can provide,” he explained.
Several panelists highlighted the importance of exploration and adaptability. UMD freshman Amika Chavan shared her journey, stating, “I thought I had it figured out early, but new experiences helped me discover what truly fits me.” Purdue junior Aryan Wadhwa echoed this sentiment, encouraging students to maintain balance. “Say yes early, try different clubs, and learn how to prioritize so academics and personal growth support each other,” he advised.
NYU Stern junior Brian Thomas urged students to maximize campus resources early in their academic careers. He recommended engaging actively with career centers, alumni networks, internships, and professors—not just during senior year.
From an employer’s perspective, ICEDQ.AI CEO Sandesh Gawande emphasized the skills that are most valuable in today’s workforce. “Curiosity, adaptability, communication, and continuous learning often matter more than technical knowledge alone,” he noted.
The event was sponsored by LCR Capital Partners and the Hampton Inn & Suites in Stamford, whose support helped make the program accessible and impactful.
By combining student voices, professional insights, and community leadership, GOPIO-CT’s Youth and Young Professionals Luncheon reinforced its mission to empower the next generation with clarity, confidence, and connection as they navigate college and life beyond, according to Global Net News.