VIRGINIA (TIP): April 30 was our lucky day. GOPIO Virginia celebrated its 14th Anniversary and Award ceremony. Virginia Senators David Marsden and Chap Petersen and 43rd Speaker Eileen Filer Corn presented Prestigious award of Excellence to Nine members of Indian American who have significant achievements in the field of Education, Medicine, Science & Technology, Philanthropy, Arts & culture, Choreography and Community Service. The event was houseful and guest of Honors include Senators and Delegates from Virginia, Dev. Marsden, Chap Petersen, Eileen Filler- Corn, David Bulova, Holly Siebold and Fairfax County Chairman of Supervisors Jeff McKay. Several dignitaries from Diverse Asian, Hispanic, and American community leaders were also present. The program was sold out and Houseful.
The following people of Indian Origin were given these awards by Virginia Senators David Marsden and Chap Petersen and speaker Eileen filer Corn –

• Dr. Michael Rao President Virginia Commonwealth University in Education
• Dr. Siva Subramaniam Emeritus Professor George Town University
• Rahul Gupta Director of National Drug Policy Control (White House) in Public Service
• Sant Gupta in Science & Technology
• 5 Mayur Shah in Philanthropy
• Vatsala Mehra (Arts & Culture) Gazal singer
• Navin k KC (Arts & Culture) in Choreography
• Rajeev Bhambri in Journalism
• Mayur Modi in Community Service

  

The program began with Ganesh Vandana and US and Indian Anthem, President of GOPIO Virginia President Jay Bhandari in his remark, Welcome all Invited guest, and audience. And highlighted GOPIO Vision, Mission and activities. He mentioned that many people of Indian Origin are holding high positions in US and extremely accomplished and demonstrated innovations and leadership in almost every field. They have significantly contributed for building strong relationship between India and the USA towards economic, social, educational, and cultural progress of both these great nations. He congratulates All Awardees for receiving this year’s Prestigious GOPIO awards of Excellence in their field of expertise.
After the award presentation a Cultural program comprising of Classical & Bollywood Dances and live music performance by singer and composers. The program ended with a 100 vegetarian 5 course dinner. The program was emceed by Dr. Ram Gupta and Mital Jain. Vote of thanks was given by Rohini Khera