GOPIO CT honors Five distinguished Indian American achievers at Annual Gala

STAMFORD, CT (TIP): “This country is the greatest nation in the history of the world because of our diversity,” Richard Blumenthal, the senior United States Senator from Connecticut, told a packed audience at the 11th annual Gala and awards nite organized by The Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO)-Connecticut Chapter in the Ballroom at The Hilton Hotel in Stamford, CT on Saturday, July 8th, 2017. “We have become a great nation because of your contributions. We have welcomed talent, energy and dedication. There is no greater example of this than our relationship with India; two great democracies on earth. Our nation faces biggest challenge to rule of law today than ever before.”

The sold out and much anticipated event was attended by over 250 guests from across the state of Connecticut, including community leaders, elected officials, and honorees and their families. The gala included a cocktail reception, dinner, music, live DJ and dances by participants, eloquent speeches, touching life-stories and inspiring narratives on the lives of the five distinguished honorees. The program was compered by Gayatri Mahesh.

Prominent among those who had attended and spoke at the annual gala included, Congressman Jim Himes, Stamford Mayor David Martin, Norwalk Mayor Harry Rilling, Connecticut State Senators Tony Hwang and Toni Boucher and CT State Assemblymen Dr. Prasad.

In her presidential address, Anita Bhat described the mission and vision of GOPIO-CT under her leadership. “Our mission at GOPIO-CT is to be active participants in the local community through involvement in community events and local politics, and by providing services to the Indian community at large here in Connecticut. This lofty goal of providing services and a political voice to the local Indian population has evolved into an exemplary community service organization thanks to the tremendous support of our local Indian community.”

Describing some of the programs GOPIO-CT initiates, Bhat said, GOPIO members serve in local soup kitchens, do walkathons to support cancer patients, and jointly celebrate Diwali and India’s Independence Day with the members of multiple Indian groups in our community. “This year we want to take our mission a step further and become the voice of Indian Americans living in Connecticut. This lofty goal is not easy to reach without your support. Please become a member of GOPI-CT and make our goals come true,” she said.

Congressman Jim Himes, who represents Connecticut’s 4th District in the United States House of Representatives, said he was delighted to be at the event to honor the accomplishments of so many talented individuals. Congressman Jim Himes, in his felicitations, “This is the largest ever dinner you I have ever attended of GOPIO. We are experiencing one of the backsliding moments in the history of the where the core strength of this nation, the immigrants, are being threatened. There is no bigger rebuttal than the people in this room. You are scientists, educators, engineers, entrepreneurs, community activists, philanthropists, who represent the success and contributions of immigrants to the country”

Riva Ganguly Das, Consul General of India, in her address, “The Indo-US relationship has been strengthened by who you are; your accomplishments. Though you are only 1% of the US population, you have excelled in education, income level, economic standing and contributions to the society, you are the model for all other immigrant communities.” Describing the partnership as strategic, she pointed out to the fast growing and maturing of collaboration between the two nations.

Dr. Thomas Abraham, Founder President of GOPIO International who is also a Trustee of GOPIO-CT, chairman of the Awards Committee, said, “The evening is a celebration – a celebration not just of the accomplishments of our awardees, but also a tribute to a strong and vibrant Indian-American community in Connecticut.”

“You are the community. You are not part of the community,” Mayor David Martin told the Indian Americans. Pointing to the historic nature of the upcoming general elections in November, Mayor Martin urged the members to register and vote, and thus become ensure that your voices are heard.”

Mayor Harry Rilling said, “I am honored to be here to celebrate among friends and am thankful for the warm welcome the Indian community has always extended to me and my family.” He also congratulated GOPIO-CT for its 11 years of service and bringing the Indian community together.

The founder and CEO of T V Asia, H. R. Shah, a charismatic Indian American, who is a well-known entrepreneur, philanthropist and community leader who endeared himself as a close friend of who’s who of the world, and was honored with Padma Bhushan, one of the highest honors by the Indian Government, was honored by GOPIO for his accomplishments and contributions to the Indian American community. While thanking GOPIO, Shah said, “For getting success in life you have to have a goal, vision, and determination. Money comes later. You have to work hard.”

Ila Paliwal was honored for her contributions in the field of Performing Arts.

Dr. Draupathi Nambudiri was honored for her accomplishments in the field of Medicine and Health Care.

Dr. Rupendra Paliwal, who was honored for his accomplishments in the field of Education, currently serves as provost and vice president for Academic Affairs at Sacred Heart University.

Captain Alpa Ladani, a distinguished 20-year Veteran of the Connecticut Army National Guard, was honored for her services to the nation.

GOPIO-CT President’s Young Professional Achiever Award was given to Nitesh Banta.

For the third year in a row, GOPIO-CT Scholarship for College Tuitions were given to four young students from Connecticut towards their higher education. The recipients are Praneetha Desu (Indiana University), Vivek James (University of Pennsylvania), Arjun Ahuja (University of Connecticut) and Ruhi Patel (Norwalk Community College), GOPIO-CT Scholarship Committee consisted of Shelly Nichani (Chairman), Shobhna Bhatnagar and Priya Easwaran coordinated GOPIO-CT efforts and led the fund-raising at the event to expand the scholarship to other parts of Connecticut in the coming years.