“Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) - Connecticut Chapter is a very important service organization for Stamford,” said Stamford Mayor Caroline Simmons at the launch of GOPIO-CT 2022 activities on Friday, March 4 at the Stamford Hampton Inn and Suites.

The activities for 2022 was inaugurated by the chief guest for the evening Indian Consul General Randhir Kumar Jaiswal in the presence of several organizations which provide services to the larger society such as Women’s Mentoring Network, Future 5, Children’s Learning Center, Building One community, Grassroots of Norwalk/Stamford and Stamford Public Library. Also present was India’s Deputy Consul General in New York, Dr. Varun Jeph.

The inaugural event started with a prayer and a moment of silence for the victims of Russia’s war in Ukraine. It was chaired by GOPIO-CT Vice President Prasad Chintalapudi who said in his initial remarks, “GOPIO-CT is a group of like-minded individuals with a commitment for community services.”

Earlier in the day, a GOPIO delegation met Mayor Caroline Simmons and offered help to the city to attract businesses from India to start outfits in Stamford. Mayor endorsed and thanked GOPIO-CT for this effort.

Photo: GOPIO-CT delegation after meeting Stamford Mayor Caroline Simmons at the Govt. Center, from l. to r.: Jayashri Chintalapudi, Anita Mathur, Viresh Sharma, Ashok Nichani, Dr. Thomas Abraham, Mayor Simmons, Shelly Nichani, Sushant Krishnamurthy and Prasad Chintalapudi

GOPIO International Chairman Dr. Thomas Abraham, who is also an advisor and trustee of the chapter, highlighted GOPIO-CT’s outstanding service activities such as replenishing and financially supporting many food pantries during the Covid period.

“Of all 100+ GOPIO chapters worldwide, GOPIO-CT is number one in organizing the largest number of activities in the last several years and complimented the chapter officials for their new initiatives every year, adding new programs in its schedule.

The new team introduced by Dr. Abraham is headed by Ashok Nichani as President. Other officials are Prasad Chintalapudi, Executive Vice President; Dr. Jaya Daptardar, Vice President; Prachi Narayan, Secretary; Mahesh Jhangiani, Jt. Secretary; Srinivas Akarappu, Treasurer; Anita Bhat; Immediate Past President; Board Members: Meera Banta, Fr. Sudhir DeSouza, Prof. Ravi Dhingra, Prof. Sujata Gadkari-Wilcox, Santosh Gannu, Pradeep Govil, Ram Jhunja, Sushanth Krishnamurthy, Anita Mathur, Vikas Mathur and Ashvini Persaud; Trustees: Bhavna Juneja, Thomas Abraham (Secretary & Comptroller), Shailesh Naik, Totty Narang, Joe Simon and Shelly Nichani

Mayor Simmons administered the Oath of Office to the new team. Mayor Simmons said that Stamford is looking for Indian companies to set up business outfits and that her administration will look into assigning a Cricket Field in Stamford to serve new immigrant groups from cricket playing countries.

“New immigrant groups have always enriched Stamford,” Simmons added. 

Photo: Stamford Mayor Caroline Simmons administering Oath of Office to the new 2022 team of GOPIO-CT Officials. From l. to r.: Joe Simon, Prasad Chintalapudi, Ashok Nichani, Mahesh Jhangiani, Dr. Jaya Daptardar, Srinivas Akarapu, Anita Mathur, Pachi Narayan, Prof. Sushanth Gadkar-Wilcox, Sushanth Krishnamurthy and Vikas Mathur

The newly re-elected GOPIO-CT President Ashok Nichani in his formal welcome address said that last year the chapter organized some programs in person and this year most programs will be in person and hope to have the Annual Awards Banquet in June.

GOPIO-CT Treasurer Srinivas Akarappu introduced the Chief Guest Consul General Jaiswal who in his remarks complimented GOPIO-CT for its outstanding list of activities every year.

“We have met Norwalk Mayor Harry Rilling and now Mayor Simmons, and the Consulate will interact with them for attracting Indian businesses to Connecticut and American businesses to India,” said Consul General Jaiswal. He also said that the US-Indian relations are still going strong with cooperation in several areas.

GOPIO Joint Secretary Mahesh Jhangiani highlighted the major events planned for this year which include a seminar in Venture Capital Opportunities in April, Holi Festival of Color at Mill River Park in April, the signature event the Annual Awards Banquet in June, India Festival and Kite Flying on August 14^that Mill River Park, Welcome Dinner for new UConn and other university Indian students in September, Fall Seminar in October, Diwali Festival of Lights in November, Tax and Investment Seminar in December and Annual Holiday Party along with  election of new officers in December.

Special guests at the event were CT State Assembly Representative Harry Arora, Women's Mentoring Network Exec. Director Lana Gifas, Future 5 Founder Clif McFeely and Executive Director Amanda Dubois-Mwake, Children's Learning Center of Fairfield County CEO Marc Jaffe, Building Community Deputy Director Don Strait, Grassroots Executive Director Betsy McNeil and Ms. Yelena Klompus who serves as the ELL, Citizenship & Cultural Programs Manager at the Stamford Public Library. They thanked GOPIO-CT for its continued financial support for their activities and joint programs.

Photo: GOPIO-CT officials with India’s Consul General Randhir Kumar Jaiswal and other dignitaries. From l. to r.: Vikas Mathur, Clif McFeely, Prasad Chintalapudi, Amanda Dubois-Mwake, Don Strait, Dr. Varun Jeph, Marc Jaffe, Suresh Sharma, Dr. Jaya Daptardar, Prachi Narayan, Dr. Thomas Abraham, Ashok Nichani, Srinivas Akarapu, Consul General Jaiswal, Lana Gifas, Yelena Klompus, Betsy McNeil, Prof. Sujatha Sujata Gadkari-Wilcox and Anita Mathur

Others present were organization representatives including Association of Indians in America (AIA) represented by its National President Gobind Munjal and Vice President Nilima Madan, National Federation of Indian American Associations (NFIA) represented by its New York Area Vice President Gunjan Rastogi and Milan Cultural Association USA represented by its President Suresh Sharma. The sponsor of the event, First County Bank, was represented by its Vice President Brad Lupinacci.

The event was concluded by GOPIO-CT Secretary Prachi Narayan with a vote a thanks to all those assembled.

Narayan said, â€œI want to thank the political and social leadership of the region, with whom we work closely, for their support without which we cannot achieve our ambitious goal of social service to the society at large.”  

The program ended with a networking dinner followed by musical evening with singers Pallavi Belwariar and Srinivas Gunupuru compered by GOPIO-CT Vice President Dr. Jaya Daptardar. 

Over the last 16 years, GOPIO-CT, a chapter of GOPIO International has become an active and dynamic organization hosting interactive sessions with policy makers and academicians, community events, youth mentoring and networking workshops, and working with other area organizations to help create a better future. GOPIO-CT – Global Organization of People of Indian Origin – serves as a non-partisan, secular, civic and community service organization â€“ promoting awareness of Indian culture, customs and contributions of PIOs through community programs, forums, events and youth activities. It seeks to strengthen partnerships and create an ongoing dialogue with local communities.

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