November 8, 2009

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The Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) committed to its mission of advocacy and in its zest of serving the Indian Diaspora always looks for issues confronting the NRIs and the PIOs. GOPIO seeks to identify such issues and then tries to find ways and means to address those issues.

From L. to R, GOPIO New York President Lal Motwani, Kavita Motwani, Dr. Roopam Saran, Minister S.M. Krishna, Ambassador Meera Shankar, GOPIO Chairman Emeritus Dr. Thomas Abraha, GOPIO Life Member Prof. Parmatma Saran

The Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) and its chapters New York interacted with External Affairs Minister S. M. Krishna during his visit to New York to attend the UN General Assembly. Minister Krishna, while serving as Governor of Maharahtra, had inaugurated GOPIO Convention in January 2005 in Mumbai. Minister Krishna was briefed on GOPIO's 20th Anniversary Convention and was presented the souvenir brochure brought out at the convention.

MINISTER SHASHI THAROOR MEETS WITH INDIAN COMMUNITY GROUPS IN NEW YORK
 
The Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) and the Indian American Kerala Cultural and Civic Center joined hands with other Indian community groups to host a reception/dinner in honor of the visiting India's Minister for State of External Affairs Dr. Shashi Tharoor at the Kerala Center on Wednesday, October 14th. Attended by over 200 Indian community representatives from the tri-state New York area, the program also served as an interactive session with Minister Tharoor.
 
The program started with formal welcome from the Kerala Center President Jose Chummar and GOPIO Executive Vice President Ashook Ramsaran. Dr. Thomas Abraham, GOPIO's Founder and Chairman Emeritus conducted proceedings of the meeting and emphasized that NRIs/PIOs want to actively participate in India's development and interactive sessions with Indian officials should pave the way for the most effective channel to utilize their resources.
 
Being an NRI for a long time and returning to India in 2007, Tharoor said that this is a good time to represent India since India has been drawing greater attention all over the world because of its extraordinary economic growth in the last several years. Tharoor said that he has been quite excited about his new assignment as Minister of State for External Affairs. At the reception, instead of a speech, he took up a large number of questions from the audience.

Answering questions, Tharoor said that he is using India's foreign relations platform to increase bilateral trade between India and other countries. On question on the terrorism in India, Tharoor said that the government has placed a high priority on the safety issues in India.
 
On relations with Pakistan, Tharoor said that after the terrorist attack in Mumbai last year, Pakistan was not forthcoming in the beginning to arrest and punish culprits which resulted in our bilateral relations. However, things are improving in that front now.
 
On the Iran nuclear issue, Tharoor said that although India has historically very close relations with Iran, India will not support the nuclear weapon ambition of Iran since Iran has signed the nuclear non-proliferation treaty and it should follow the rules.
 
There were many other questions such as Overseas Indian Citizenship (OCI) card, voting rights for Indian citizens living outside India, NRI property disputes in India, etc. He suggested these issues should be brought in at the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas to the attention of Ministry of overseas Indian Affairs and to ministers and secretaries from several ministries who would present at the PBD. He also recommended to join hands with an established group such as GOPIO to campaign and to bring government's attention on important issues concerning NRIs/PIOs.
 
Other participating organizations were Long island Malayalee Association, NRIs for Secular and Harmonies India, India Empowerment Group, National Indian American Association for Senior Citizens (NIAASC) and Indian Christian Forum. The program ended with closing remarks by GOPIO-CT President Sangeeta Ahuja and a vote of thanks by George Thomas, Secretary of Long Island Malayalee Association.

GOPIO International is planning to hold its annual executive and general council meetings, followed by its conference starting on January 6 and concluding on January 7 immediately preceding and in conjunction with Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2010 events of January 7-9, 2010. 
 
The program schedule is as follows:
 
January 5, 2010            :
AFTERNOON: Executive and council meetings at FICCI Conference Center
EVENING:        Welcome Dinner (Venue to be announced)
 
January 6, 2010
MORNING:      Conference Sessions I and II FICCI Conference Center
AFTERNOON: Conference Sessions III, IV at FICCI Conference Center
EVENING:       Community Service Awards Banquet (Venue to be announced)

For more information and details, contact GOPIO Chairman Inder Singh at gopio-intl@sbcglobal.net (Tel 1-818-708-3885) or GOPIO President - Lord Daljit Rana, UK, Tel:  +44 28-9807-8787, Email: dsrana@andrashouse.co.uk

NRIs and PIOs celebrated Diwali all over the world with some heads state in the Western countries personally being present at the celebrations for the first time. The festival of lights was celebrated with fervour and gaiety amid bursting of crackers and lighting of lamps. Indian community groups in major cities celebrated the festival with cultural programs and fire works. The Indian Missions in the US too organized various functions to celebrate the festival.

In London, Diwali was celebrated for the first time at the 10, Downing Street, amid chanting of Vedic prayers for world peace, with British Prime Minister Gordon Brown terming it a "historic event".

"This is a great day for Downing Street, a great day for us and a great day for Britain to celebrate Diwali for the first time in Downing Street. This is a historic event," a beaming Brown told the gathering.

President Barack Obama celebrated Diwali by lighting the ceremonial lamp at the White House amidst chanting of Vedic mantras seeking world peace, becoming the first US President to personally grace the occasion. The ritual of lighting up the "diyas" and celebrating Diwali at the White House has been initiated by Bush government in 2003.
 
"I think it's fitting that we begin this work in the week leading up to the holiday of Diwali - the festival of lights - when members of some of the world's greatest faiths celebrate the triumph of good over evil," Obama said in his remarks on the occasion at a White House function held at its historic East Room.
 
This is for the first time that a US President attended and celebrated Diwali at the White House - thus giving an official recognition to the festival of lights celebrated across the world by millions of Hindus, Sikhs and Jains.

Sri Lankan Tamils marked the festival with President Mahinda Rajapaksa promising the beginning of a new era where their sufferings "will be a thing of the past" and they would be able to return to their homes in the war-torn north, adding "the light of goodwill will dispel the darkness of terror in our land".

Indians from all walks of life greeted each other in the UAE, exchanged gifts and joined festivities on the occasion of Diwali across the Gulf region even as Indian embassies remained closed and telecom companies offered reduced tariff for those wishing to call friends and relatives in India.

Indians in Malaysia celebrated Diwali with the Prime Minister Najib Razak, who is championing the 1Malayisa concept in this multi-ethnic country, joining the festival of lights celebrations along with other leaders, many non-Hindus.
 
Among those present at the White House ceremony were several eminent members of the Indian community, nearly half a dozen members of his Cabinet and several Indian American members of his administration. The visiting Union Minister of Commerce, Anand Sharma, and Indian Ambassador to the US Meera Shankar graced the occasion.
 
"While this is a time of rejoicing, it's also a time for reflection, when we remember those who are less fortunate and renew our commitment to reach out to those in need," Obama said, minutes before lighting the lamp while Pandit Narayanacharya Digalakote from the Sri Shiva Vishnu temple chanted Vedic mantras.
 
"While the significance of the holiday for each faith varies, all of them mark it by gathering with family members to pray and decorate the house and enjoy delicious food and sweet treats," said the US President.
 
"In that spirit of celebration and contemplation, I am happy to light the White House Diya, and wish you all a Happy Diwali, and a Saal Mubarak," Obama said amidst a round of applause from the audience invited for the occasion.

The Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs (MOIA) in partnership with the Government of NCT of Delhi and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) is organizing the 8th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention (PBD 2010) from 7th - 9th January 2010 at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. Parvasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) is the annual flagship event of the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs (MOIA) which aims to connect more 25 Million Indians with India's Economic and Social development. The event will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, and President Pratibha Patil will address the concluding session of the three-day gathering of PIOs and NRIs from all regions of the global Indian Diaspora.
 
 PBD-2010 will also witness the launch of an annual Lecture series under the theme of 'India and its Diaspora: Everlasting Bonds of Togetherness'. 
Tentative PBD 2010 program to include as follows:

Other Attractions to include:

Visit PBD website at http://www.pbdindia.org/ for registration & other details.

Indian President Pratibha Patil visited UK last month - becoming only the third Indian President to visit Britain on a state visit - and had three days of close interactions with British royals, politicians and Indian-origin achievers. Politicians and industrialists were among some 400 people - largely of Indian origin and from all walks of life - greeted Patil at a reception in central London in a recognition of the importance of a community that has grown to some two million in strength.
 
President Patil has urged the Indian Diaspora around the world to help overcome the challenges presented by a resurgent India and help build a "great and dynamic" nation.
 
"You know the challenges that a resurgent India presents," she told prominent members of the Indian Diaspora at a reception.
 
Pointing out that the Indian Diaspora across the world number some 25 million and those in Britain more than 1.5 million, she said: "We seek to interact directly and substantially with them".
 
"We must work in our individual ways to contribute to the objective of building a great and dynamic India which will be one of the mainstays of emerging global order," Patil told an audience of some 400 Indian-origin guests.
 
She lauded the Diaspora in Britain, saying that although they formed two percent of population, they contributed 4-5 percent to Britain's Gross Domestic Product.
 
"Your hard work and industrious attitude have won you appreciation both in country of adoption and country or origin," she said.
 
The guests included Nobel-winning scientist Venkataraman Ramakrishnan, industrialists Swraj Paul, Srichand Hinduja, Raj Kumar Bagri, Nat Puri, Ghulam Noon and Kiran Bilimoria, politicians Navneet Dholakia (Liberal Democrat), Sailesh Vara (Conservative Party), Paramjit Dhanda (Labour) and Lord Adam Patel, leading academics and representatives from the worlds of business, medicine, charity and the arts.
 
Patil said it was fitting that the first engagement in her three-day state visit to Britain was the reception with members of the Indian Diaspora. She praised the contributions of people of Indian origin to the development of post-War Britain.
 
"When we hear the prime minister of Great Britain, mention the excellent treatment he personally received from an Indian-origin doctor in the National Health Service, we feel proud of all of you," she said.
 
Patil said the Indian Diaspora was an important bridge between the two countries, pointing out that the architects of modern India - Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Vallabhai Patel and B.R. Ambedkar - had all been educated in Britain.
 
Education had now been identified as a major field of collaboration between India and Britain, she added.

GOPIO NEW YORK PRESIDENT LAL MOTWANI ORGANIZES DANCE DRAMA AT METROPOLITAN MUSEUM
 
GOPIO New York President Lal Motwani organized the Diwali program at New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art. The East-West School of Dance once again performed the epic Ramayana Dance Drama, directed and Choreographed by Pandit S.N.Charka at the Metropolitan Museum of Art after receiving standing ovation last year. The Ramayana depicts the story of good versus evil with good prevailing in the end. 
 
The dance drama was held at the Grace Rainey Rodgers Auditorium. The cast and crew of over 60 mesmerized the audience with the lovely costumes, original music composed in India and of course the beautiful dancers. The dancers synchronized in their movements took over the stage with their grace and beauty while performing classical Indian dance form, Kathak. The multi-cultural audience was captivated by the mix of the American cast and Indian dancers - a true representation of Eastern and Western cultures.  
 
The two hour performance included the symbolic scenes of Ram lifting the bow, the marriage of Ram and Sita, the exile into the forest, and rescue of Sita from Ravana, the ten headed demon.  The many characters were played by professional dancers and actors from many different places.  

Photo top: Ramayana dance drama at the Metropolitan Museom in New York City. 2nd from top shows organizer GOPIO Ne wYork President Lal Motwani with Consul General Prabhu Dayal and Dance Director Pandit Satya Narayan Charka.

Photo Above: Children performing at GOPIO-CT Diwali program.

GOPIO-CONNECTICUT CELEBRATE THIRD ANNUAL FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS IN STAMFORD
 
Heavy rains did not dampen the spirits of members of the local Indian community that gathered in Stamford, Connecticut to celebrate the Diwali "Festival of Lights" festival. The annual event is organized and hosted by volunteers of Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) Connecticut chapter at the UCONN Stamford campus on Saturday, October 24. The festive event drew over 300 members and friends of the community.
 
The stars of the show were the young children, who delighted the audience with their talent and colorful Indian outfits. The evening began with a traditional lighting ceremony and a soulful rendition of bhajans (hymns) followed by an enactment of religious stories of the significance of Diwali. The popular beats of Bollywood by the youngsters had the audience tapping their feet along with the young performers. The performances were followed by dinner and dancing to the beats of pop Indian music.
 
Adding to the festivities were a variety of vendors of arts, crafts, travel services and foods. Robert Arnett and Smita Turakhia authors of the award winning India Unveiled and Finders Keepers were on hand for book signings and discussion. 
 
Diwali, the most significant Indian festival, is a religious celebration of love, light, hope and freedom. It marks the victory of good over evil, and is celebrated throughout India with lighting of lamps, the exchange of sweets and gifts, firecrackers and religious ceremonies. The festival is a vivid manifestation of its many cultures and diversity. "Diwali is also a great time to strengthen family values," said Sangeeta Ahuja, president of Connecticut chapter. GOPIO-CT youth volunteers enthusiastically raised money for local projects by selling the Om Namo Narayanaya "SOUL CALL" by Chandrika Krishnamurthy Tandon. 
 
GOPIO T&T PUTTING TOGETHER A DELEGATION TO PBD 2010 AND INDIA VISIT
 
Gopio - TT is taking delegation to to the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) 2010 in New Delhi following which the delegation will take part  in a three-week tour of various tourism spots in India. Speaking at a news conference at the Indian High Commission, in Victoria Avenue, Port-of-Spain recently, Indian High Commissioner Malay Mishra said that PBD, in its eight year, symbolises the continued interest of the government of India in the progress and well being of the overseas Indian community. 
 
Mishra said PBD provides a platform to the overseas Indian community for an exchange of views on ways and means to fulfill their aspirations and expectations from the land of their ancestors. He noted that the formulation of the Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) and conceptualization of the People of Indian Origin (PIO) University were some of the outcomes of the Pravasi Divas. 
 
He said the OCI assisted with land ownership for families outside India, as well as the provision of study and professional facilities for the PIOs. 
 
"TT is one of the largest Diaspora concentration of Indians in the world and the largest in the Caribbean in terms of cultural, religious and linguistic diversities. We would like to see a large participation of people from this Diaspora," Mishra said. He said the Indian government will subsidize the registration costs by 50 percent as an added incentive to encourage a greater attendance. Mishra also noted the discussions which take place are related to the progress of the Indian Diaspora in various aspects and the mutual advantage of Indian nationals and Indians living abroad. Two important sessions will be on nano technology which is an advanced discourse on science and technology and on property-related issues. 

"There are many questions on property ownership, maintenance and legislation related to the properties. Many times people who are living overseas are not able to look after their properties, so the government is trying to devise measures to see how best these properties could be perfected and the ownership of the people who are living far away from home, to ensure that the properties can be maintained," Mishra said. 

GOPIOTT President Deosaran Bisnath called upon the T&T Indian community to register for PBD. Contact his at 687-7529, 662-7159 or email gopiott@gmail.com.
 
GOPIO HOUSTON TO BE FORMALLY INAUGURATED
 
GOPIO Houston Chapter will be formally inaugurated on Friday November 20th, 2009, starting at 7 p.m. at India House, 8888 W.Bellfort, Houston, TX 77031. Chief guest is Texas Lt. Governor David Dewhurst and inaugural addrss will be delivered by Consul General of India Sanjiv Arora. The inauguration will be followed by dinner. The Indian community is invited tois event.
 
Contact: Sam Kannappan P.E., President, GOPIO Houston, Tel: 281 425-8743, E-mail: sam.kannappan@gmail.com.