NEW YORK (TIP): The Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO International) held its 26th annual general meeting and commemorative dinner from June 5- 6, 2015 in New York with delegates representing several countries worldwide.

One June 5, a special welcome dinner for all delegates was held at the World’s Fair Marina
in Flushing, New York. The following day on June 6 at Plaza Hotel La Guardia, GOPIO held a comprehensive conference session on “Women of the Indian Diaspora”, a timely GOPIO global initiative by GOPIO Women’s Council to focus on this very important issue in the Indian Diaspora. It was coordinated by Rita Abraham (South Africa), chair of GOPIO Women’s Council and co-chaired by Rekha Gupta (New York) co-chair of GOPIO Women’s Council. Speakers represented several countries and special guest was Hon. Melinda Katz, borough president of Queens, New York.

After its Executive Council Meeting, GOPIO held its 26th Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the same venue. Following a presentation by Hon M. Velmurugan, Executive Vice Chairman of Industrial Guidance Bureau of Tamil Nadu, country/regional reports were made by several delegates representing several regions and countries. The AGM included reports by chairman, president, treasurer and modifications to by-laws to improve GOPIO’s operational and organizational processes.

On the evening of June 6, GOPIO held an elaborate commemorative dinner at the Marriott La Guardia with special guest Hon Grace Meng, US Congresswoman who assisted in recognition of GOPIO’s newest life members, events patrons and sponsors, and special commendation for deserving supporters. These included Deo Gosine (Trinidad & Tobago), Darshan Singh Bagga (New York), Ishwar Ramlutchman (South Africa), Gafson, DDL & Dem Bank (Guyana), Chantex (Australia), Uttar Pradesh NRI Ministry (India), Travel Span, IAGCC, India Abroad and several others. Special proclamation from NYS Assemblyman David Weprin was presented, and NYS Senator Tony Avella issued a special resolution recognizing GOPIO and its community service globally.

GOPIO is a non-partisan, non-sectarian global organization with chapters in several countries, actively promoting the interests of people of Indian origin worldwide by monitoring and addressing current critical issues of concern, and by enhancing cooperation and communication between groups of Indians living in various countries.