GOPIO-CT will celebrate India’s 78th Independence Day and host an India Festival in Stamford on August 10, featuring Indian cultural performances and community recognition.
The Connecticut chapter of the Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO-CT) is set to commemorate India’s 78th Independence Day with a vibrant celebration in Stamford on August 10. This event marks a significant milestone for India, which gained independence from British rule on August 15, 1947, when then-Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru raised the Indian flag at the Red Fort in New Delhi.
Partnering with Stamford City and the Mill River Park Collaborative, GOPIO-CT will host the India Festival at Mill River Park, celebrating Indian culture and community achievements. The festivities will commence with the hoisting of the American, Indian, and Connecticut flags at the Stamford Government Center at 11:30 a.m., followed by an official ceremony at Mill River Park Carousel Hall at noon.
Among the distinguished guests at the ceremony will be India’s Consul General in New York, Hon. Binaya Srikanta Pradhan, Stamford Mayor Caroline Simmons, Norwalk Mayor Harry Rilling, Connecticut State Majority Leader Bob Duff, Senate Deputy Majority Leader Sujata Gadkar-Wilcox, and State Representatives Hector Arzeno and Hubert Delany.
Following the official proceedings, the India Festival will begin at 1 p.m. and feature colorful folk and classical dances, music, and Bollywood performances. Additionally, attendees can explore a variety of vendors offering Indian food, arts and crafts, and clothing. The festival promises to be a family-friendly event with free admission, including limited carousel rides for children and kite-flying opportunities. Participants are encouraged to bring their own kites, though a limited number will be available for free.
The event will also honor Joseph Simon of Darien, CT, with the 2025 Indian Independence Liberty Award. Simon, a technology professional in the media sector, has made significant contributions to charitable organizations and has been active in the Stamford Cricket Club and other community initiatives.
The celebration, hosted by Mill River Park Collaborative, is sponsored by First County Bank, Hampton Inn and Suites, Stamford Mortgages, and Keller Williams Prestige Properties Associate Sonali Zullurwar. The event is organized by GOPIO-CT President Sonali GannuSushanth Krishnamurthy and chaired by GOPIO-CT Secretary Sonali Gannu, with Board Co-Chair Sonali Gannu leading the efforts.
In recognition of local talent, GOPIO-CT will present certificates and Amazon gift cards to the high school graduates of 2025 from Connecticut schools. Individuals are invited to share details of any 2025 graduates with Mahesh Jhangiani or visit the GOPIO-CT website for more information.
Over the past 19 years, GOPIO-CT has been an active and dynamic organization, hosting various events, mentoring youth, and engaging with policymakers and the academic community to foster a stronger future. GOPIO-CT aims to promote awareness of Indian culture and the contributions of people of Indian origin through non-partisan, secular civic initiatives and community programs.