Stamford, CT: “Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) – Connecticut Chapter is a very important service organization for Stamford,” said Stamford Mayor Caroline Simmons at the launch of GOPIO-CT 2022 activities on March 4 at the Stamford Hampton Inn and Suites.
The activities for 2022 were inaugurated by the chief guest for the evening Indian Consul General Randhir Kumar Jaiswal in the presence of several organizations which provide services to the larger society such as Women’s Mentoring Network, Future 5, Children’s Learning Center, Building One community, Grassroots of Norwalk/Stamford and Stamford Public Library.
Also present was India’s Deputy Consul General in New York, Dr. Varun Jeph.
The inaugural event started with a prayer and a moment of silence for the victims of Russia’s war in Ukraine. It was chaired by GOPIO-CT Vice President Prasad Chintalapudi who said in his initial remarks, “GOPIO-CT is a group of like-minded individuals with a commitment for community services.”
Earlier in the day, a GOPIO delegation met Mayor Caroline Simmons and offered help to the city to attract businesses from India to start outfits in Stamford. Mayor endorsed and thanked GOPIO-CT for this effort.
GOPIO International Chairman Dr. Thomas Abraham, who is also an advisor and trustee of the chapter, highlighted GOPIO-CT’s outstanding service activities such as replenishing and financially supporting many food pantries during the Covid period.
The new team introduced by Dr. Abraham is headed by Ashok Nichani as President. Other officials are Prasad Chintalapudi, Executive Vice President; Dr. Jaya Daptardar, Vice President; Prachi Narayan, Secretary; Mahesh Jhangiani, Jt. Secretary; Srinivas Akarappu, Treasurer; Anita Bhat; Immediate Past President; Board Members: Meera Banta, Fr. Sudhir DeSouza, Prof. Ravi Dhingra, Prof. Sujata Gadkari-Wilcox, Santosh Gannu, Pradeep Govil, Ram Jhunja, Sushanth Krishnamurthy, Anita Mathur, Vikas Mathur and Ashvini Persaud; Trustees: Bhavna Juneja, Thomas Abraham (Secretary & Comptroller), Shailesh Naik, Totty Narang, Joe Simon and Shelly Nichani.
Mayor Simmons said that Stamford is looking for Indian companies to set up business outfits and that her administration will look into assigning a Cricket Field in Stamford to serve new immigrant groups from cricket-playing countries.
