GOPIO-CT organized its General Body Meeting (GBM) elected a new team. In its report to the GBM, President Ashok Nichani said that in spite of the Coronavirus pandemic and subsequent lockdown, GOPIO-CT did some outstanding work in helping local food pantries and providing KN95 masks for frontline workers.
Secretary Rajneesh listed all major activities for the year which included major initiatives for serving the local community and institutions during the pandemic and lockdown. These included delivering food items to frontline healthcare workers at the Stamford Hospital, donating cash and replenishing food items for the homeless and needy at the New Covenant House in Stamford, Lower Fairfield County Food Pantry and Food Bank of Lower Fairfield. In addition, the chapter imported KN95 masks and donated to Wilton Meadow Healthcare facility in Wilton, Connecticut and Stamford Hospital.
Many of the regular programs were held using Zoom meetings. The chapter participated in the annual walkathon fundraiser for Bennet Cancer Center at the Stamford Hospital. Taking the lockdown and the social isolation as a challenge, the organizing committee of GOIO-CT put together a grand celebration of India’s 74th Independence Day Celebration, connecting the people of Indian origin, community leaders and elected officials virtually, honoring and celebrating the freedom and democratic values of India and the United States. The chapter also held its annual Diwali celebration on Zoom, an interactive meeting with Congressman Jim Himes and a webinar on major changes on US Taxes and financial/retirement planning.
The GBM also conducted its annual election for 2021. Ashok Nichani was re-elected as the President for one more term. Other elected officials are Prasad Chintalapudi as Executive Vice President, Dr. Jaya Daptadar as Vice President, Prachi Narayan as Secretary, Meera Banta as Joint Secretary and Viresh Sharma as Treasurer. GBM also reelected two trustees, Dr. Thomas Abraham and Neelam Narang.
Following the GBM, Annual Holiday Party was held. attended by India’s Consul General in New York Randhir Kumar Jaiswal as Chief Guest, who praised GOPIO-CT for its work helping local service organizations. Stamford Mayor David Martin complimented GOPIO-CT for its work helping the local food pantries during the lockdown.
The fundraiser netted $5,000 to give to the local service organization Building One Community of Stamford which helps new immigrants in Connecticut.
