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| GOPIO NEWS
A Publication of the Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO)
Issue: XII-09 September 8, 2013 |
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August 15 is a special day for Indians all over the world mainly because it is the day wherein India finally gained its full independence from England. It was in August 15, 1947, which makes it their 67th Independence Day.
Indian Diaspora celebrated Indian Independence Day with fervour and gaiety in many parts of the world. Flag hoisting ceremonies were held at many local and state government institutions. India associations worldwide organized cultural programs, festivals and parades in all over the world.
INDIA DAY PARADE IN NEW YORK LED BY ACTRESS VIDYA BALAN AND GANDHIAN ANNA HAZARE
The biggest celebration was in New York at the 33rd India Day Parade organized by Federation of Indian Associations (FIA) on Madison Ave. in Manhattan on August 18th. Thousands of people lined up on both sides of the road as a colourful parade with 35 floats depicting the diverse and vibrant culture of India led by Bollywood star Vidya Balan passed through Manhattan. The chief guest was Gandhian and corruption crusader Anna Hazare. According to an estimate, over 200,000 people attended the parade.
 Photo above, from top left clockwise: Gandhian Anna Hazare addressing the parade; Bollywood actress Vidya Balan with FIA President Sanjay Amin, GOPIO Founder President Dr. Thomas Abraham and GOPIO Life Member Dr. Sudhir Parikh; Tamil film actors Radhika Sarath Kumar and Sarath Kumar MLA; Hazare at the parade; Band from Swaminarayan Temple of New Jersey, Drummers of Jai Bharath Dhol Tash Pathak of USA; Telangana contigent at the parade.
Colorful floats, marching bands and convertibles made their way down Madison Avenue in Manhattan with revelers cheering Hazare and Balan.
"I've never seen something as wonderful and heartwarming," said Balan, the parade's grand marshal.  Photo above: Grand Marshal Vidya Balan reviewing the parade along with former Indian Army Chief General V.K. Singh
The Indian-Americans waved the tri-color at Hazare and shouted that they stood by him in his crusade against corruption.
Hundreds of parade goers wore orange, green and white dress with a Gandhi caps "I am for Anna" to demonstrate their support to Hazare, whose anti-corruption crusade has inspired thousands at home and abroad.
Balan drew huge crowds as people on both sides of the Madison Avenue cheered her when she travelled in the FIA float along with FIA Chairman Ramesh Patel, FIA President Sanjay Amin and New York Consul General Dnyaneshwar Mulay. Others dignitaries present at the parade involved former Indian Army Chief Gen V K Singh and Tamil film actors Sarath Kumar and Radika Sarath Kumar. The event also witnessed the presence of the President of Antigua, Barbuda Winston Baldwin Spencer and the Speaker of the New York City Council Christine Quinn. 
Photo above: Former FIA presidents, Dr. H.K. Chandrasekhar, Bipin Patel, Nitin Vora, Dr. Thomas Abraham, Ramesh Patel, Prabir Roy, Sudha Acharya and Dr. Parveen Chopra. Vora, Abraham, Acharya and Chopra are GOPIO Life Members.
See YouTube videos of the parade brought to you by GOPIO News.
India Day Parade in New York City. August 18, 2013
Video 1 - http://youtu.be/bh4TNKJyHpA
Video 2 - http://youtu.be/3nznksiriv8
Video 3 - http://youtu.be/iRjdWKJHJiQ
Video 4 - http://youtu.be/g1jQA7bVGSQ
Video 5 - http://youtu.be/l3vFZPpjKyQ
LONDON CELEBRATION HELD AT THE INDIAN GYMKHANA CLUB
High Commission of India, London & the Nehru Centre (Cultural Wing of HCI) organized the 'Independence Day celebration 2013', on 18 August at Indian Gymkhana Club, Osterley. The celebration started with flag hosting and followed by the cultural events.
British Prime Minister David Cameron congratulated India on its 67th Independence Day and praised "vibrancy of its democracy, the strength of its diversity and the power of its economy."
In an exclusive article published by Asian Lite newspaper, Cameron said he wants to strengthen the relationship between the "world's oldest democracy and its largest."
Cameron said he is proud of Britain's close bond with India and praised the Indian community in Britain.
"The British Indian community has enriched this country beyond measure," the prime minister said. "That's true from sport to the arts - from philanthropy to commerce. Aspiration, personal responsibility and respect for the rule of law are fundamental values in our country, and they run through British Indians like a stick of rock."
COMMUNITY JOINS FLAG HOISTING AT INDIAN MISSIONS AROUND THE WORLD
Hundreds of people of Indian-origin gathered at the Indian high commission in Fiji's capital Suva on this occasion. Unfurling the tricolor, Indian High Commissioner Vinod Kumar said India and Fiji had achieved a lot since the establishment of bilateral relations between the two countries.
In Kuwait, Indians marked the day with Ambassador Satish C. Mehra unfurling the tricolor in the embassy premises. He read out the address to the nation by Indian President Pranab Mukherjee delivered on the Independence Day eve. Describing India-Kuwait relations as historic, close and characterized by mutual respect and understanding, he lauded the contribution of the Indian community in Kuwait's development and to the bilateral relations.
South Korea joined India in celebrating I-Day. Local artists performed classical Indian dances like Kathak and Odissi as members of both the Indian and Korean communities jointly celebrated their independence days at a unique function. South Korea celebrated its first Liberation Day Aug 15, 1945. To mark the 40th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic relations, the Indian embassy in Seoul organized a joint celebration of India and South Korea's independence days. India's Ambassador Vishnu Prakash hoisted the tricolor. A cultural program organized by the Indian Cultural Centre at the embassy and the Indian community in Seoul featured Korean artists performing Kathak, Oddissi and yoga.
The Indian Diaspora communities organized festivals and cultural programs to celebrate Indian Independence Day. They also joined the Indian missions to jointly organize the celebrations.
BOLLYWOOD ACTRESS AARTI CHHABRIA AND NASSAU COUNTY EXECUTIVE ED MANGANO JOIN INDIA DAY PARADE IN LONG ISLAND
An estimated 15,000 people attended the parade held in Hicksville, the newest 'Little India' located in Nassau County in New York on August 11th with Nassau county executive Ed Mangano, Bollywood actress Aarti Chhabria, and Miss USA 2005 Chelsea Cooley as main guests. There were 17 floats including those of Air India, grocery stores chain Patel Brothers, and 30 booths including banks and insurance companies.
ILLINOIS GOVERNOR PAT QUINN JOINS CHICAGO INDIA DAY PARADE
The Federation of Indian Associations (FIA) of Chicago organized India Day Parade on Saturday, August 17th on Mahatma Gandhi Marg and continued on Devon Ave. in Chicago. Bollywood actress Soha Ali Khan was the Grand Marshal. The parade was by attended Illinois Governor Pat Quinn, India's Consul General Dr, Ausaf Sayeed and his wife Farha, former White House chief of Staff Bill Daley, Cook County President Toni Preckwinkle, FIA President Hina Trivedi and several political leaders.The parade began after a flag-hoisting ceremony in Daley Plaza and had 27 floats.
WASHINGTON DC INDIAN COMMUNITY CELEBRATES INDIA DAY WITH A BANQUET
Hundreds of Indian Americans the Washington DC metropolitan area attended a banquet organized by the National Council of Indian Associations on August 17th at Martin's Crosswinds at Greenbelt, Maryland to celebrate Indian Independence Day. The chief guest was Indian Ambassador Nirupama Rao. Several political leaders from Maryland attend the program. Maryland Deputy Secretary of State Dr. Rajan Natarajan read out a proclamation from the Governor for the occasion.
THREE PARADES IN NEW JERSEY
In Edison, New Jersey, two Indian community groups Indian Business Association (IBA), and Edison based Oak Tree Indian Business Association Inc. (OTIBA) organized two separate parades separately on Sunday, August 11th. Bollywood baddie Gulshan Grover and television actress Rashmi Desai led the IBA parade as Grand Marshals while Bollywood actor Shweta Bharadwaj did the honors for OTIBA parade.
A third parade was held at the Boardwalk of the Atlantic City on August 16th. New Jersey Assemblyman and Deputy Speaker Upendra Chivukula was the chief guest.
GOPIO FOUNDER PRESIDENT DR. THOMAS ABRAHAM LEADS INDIA DAY PARADE IN NEW CITY, NEW YORK
Veteran community leader Dr. Thomas Abraham, Founder President of many Indian community institutions such as the Federation of Indian Associations (FIA) of New York, the National Federation of Indian Associations (NFIA) and the Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) led the Indian Day parade as Grand Marshal to celebrate India's Independence Day organized by India Cultural Society of Rockland (ICSR) in New City, New York on Saturday, August 17th. After the parade reached the Court House, ICSR President Smriti Sridhara hoisted the Indian Tricolor to the strains of India's national anthem which was followed by greetings from the elected officials including the first Indian American county legislative member Anney Paul.
The parade and festival were organized by a team headed by ICSR President Smriti Sridhara along with ICSR President-Elect Rajan Baranwal and Jeevan Jyoti President Suresh Arya and a large number of committee members and volunteers. It was attended by many state and county legislatures as well as a wider cross section of the Indian community.
 Photo above: India Day Parade in New City, Rockland County, in the front row, from l. to r. Alka shah, GOPIO Secretary Nami Kaur, Grand Marshal Dr. Thomas Abraham, India Cultural Society President Smriti Sridhara and Ami Sopariwala |
| GOPIO PARTICIPATES IN THE 150TH ANNIVERSARY OF SIDAMBAROM IN GUADELOPE | |
GOPIO International participated in the week long 150th anniversary commemoration starting July 5, 2013 organized by the Comité Sidambarom in Guadeloupe, headed by Jacques Sidambarom, in honor of Henry Moutou Sidambarom, a pioneer fighting relentlessly for the rights of people of Indian origin in Guadeloupe and for their recognition as French citizens with equal rights. (Ref: GOPIO News March 17, 2013). Also in attendance at these events were Min Subodh Jaiswal (Indian High Commission in Paris); Juliette Corré, Perfecture de la Guadeloupe; Dinesh Petapermal (President of GOPIO Guadeloupe); Jean Sahai (Co-Chairperson of GOPIO Cultural Council, Guadeloupe); as well as Elie Shitalou, Fred Negrit, Rosy Varrey Sheikboudhou, and others.
In Guadeloupe, meetings were held among GOPIO International, GOPIO Guadeloupe, Min. Jaiswal and Jacques Sidambarom. The discussions centered on Indian Diaspora, relationships with other PIO countries and groups in the Caribbean region; interests and needs of PIOs in Guadeloupe, such as PIO cards, an Indian consulate in Guadeloupe to serve Guadeloupe, Martinique and St Martin; KIP, scholarships, PBD, arrival documents, arrival monuments such as Highbury (Guyana) patterned after Kolkata Memorial. Visits were made to Indian arrival monument and Indian Cultural Centre near completion; attendance at Miss Sari 2013 pageant.
In Martinique, visits were made to ships arrivals area, sugar plantations and historical sites. Meetings and discussions (similar to Guadeloupe) were held with GOPIO chapter members chaired by chapter president Lucienne Sacarbany; Ingenierie Culturelle (Prof Diana Ramassamy); Dr Juliette Simerada (Researche, writer); Consuelo Marin, and many others. Discussion with Le Monde Rouge mayor Pierre Petit on Indian Diaspora projects such an arrival monuments at the location of the first landing. Common issues and interests are among PIOs of the French Antilles: Guadeloupe, Martinique, St. Martin, St. Bart's and French Guiana (Cayenne).
GOPIO INTERNATIONAL SHINES AT THE FIRST GLOBAL R&D SUMMIT IN INDIA
Three GOPIO International Science & Technology Council luminaries were hosted and recognized at the first Global R&D Summit held in New Delhi on July 25-26, 2013. The event was jointly hosted by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, and Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI). The Summit was attended and addressed by GOPIO International's Science & Technology Council Chairman, Dr. Ramesh Caussy (France); Council Co-Chairman Prof. Prasad Yarlagadda (Australia); and Life Member Dr. Birendra Dutta. Munish Gupta, GOPIO International Coordinator-Africa, Executive Committee Member, and Chairman PIO TV, was a key organizer of the Summit along with FICCI & DST.
The Global R&D Summit 2013 is among the most prestigious events to be convened under a new initiative launched by FICCI at the behest of DST. It drew participation from global and Indian industry leaders in Science & Technology, who presented path-breaking and pioneering innovations in R&D. These included prodding India to pave the way for higher investment in R&D and setting up R&D institutions. GOPIO International was listed and applauded as a valued partner in the event.
The inaugural session was addressed by Minister of State for Human Resource Development, Dr. Shashi Tharoor; Principal Scientific Advisor to Prime Minister of India, Dr. R Chidambaram; DST Secretary, Dr. T Ramasami; FICCI President Ms. Naina Lal Kidwai; and, GOPIO's Dr. Birendra Raj Dutt, Chairman & MD, APIC Corporation USA. Dr Dutt was the featured industry speaker on his path-breaking research on photonics as the emerging technology of computer chip processors. Dr Dutt has already secured contracts with India's prestigious Defense Research & Development Organization (DRDO) of the Ministry of Defense, Government of India. Among major international speakers at the plenary and various sessions included Dr. Paul, Stein, Chief Scientific Officer, Rolls Royce; Prof. Prasad Yarlagadda, Project Director: Airports of the future, Australia; Dr. Ramesh Caussy, President, Partnering 3.0 France; and Prof. Peter Hodgeson, Director, Institute of Frontier Materials, Deakin University, Australia.
Among the Indian participants were Dr. Makarand Phadke, Chairman, FICCI's Science & Technology Council; Dr. Gopichand, Managing Director, GE India Technology Centre; Mr. Ananth Krishnan, Vice-President and CTS, Tata Consultancy Services; Dr. R.K. Malhotra, Director (R&D), Indian Oil Corporation and several other top innovators and entrepreneurs from various sectors. Speakers shared their experiences and best practices in R&D management and strategy.
The main focus areas of this summit were Health Care & Pharma, Manufacturing & Production, ICTV& Telecom, Defense and Security, Sustainable & Renewable Energy, Agriculture & Biotech and Walter Purification, Recycle, Reuse. Participants in exhibits and conference deliberations included large number of industries from various parts of the world and also representatives of ICT MNCs.
Munish Gupta has been involved for GOPIO International's Science & Technology Council as he works closely with DST, DRDO and FICCI as well as the Ministry of Overseas Indians (MOIA) in devising strategy and plans for the Government of India to engage Diaspora scientists, R&D and technology entrepreneurs. GOPIO S&T Council signed a MoU with FICCI Center for Technology Commercialization (FICCI C Tech) in 2012. Munish is spearheading a program for India to collaborate with African nations in taking and commercializing Indian (including Diaspora) innovations and technology in African countries. GOPIO International's S&T Council comprising Dr. Caussy and Dr. Yarlagadda is now poised to enhance its role and interaction with FICCI and Government of India. Dr. Caussy, Dr Yarlagadda and Dr Dutt were invited and felicitated by FICCI and DST for their participation and contribution at the Global R&D Summit 2013.
Dr. Caussy spoke on Robotics and Digital Economy as the bedrock of future innovations. He underlined the need to support industrial economy in both developing and developed nations. Prof. Yarlagadda talked about his research on Impact of ICT and Automation on Future of Global Aviation Industry. Via his presentation Prasad took all audience to a quick tour through modern airports.
Dr Dutt stunned the audience with a sterling innovation of shifting from electronics to photonics and exhorted the Government of India to establish a factory to manufacture the next generation of computer processor chips in India, and get a piece of the annual trillion dollar industry.
The overseas GOPIO delegation was welcomed by Rajendra Prabhu, president, India chapter, GOPIO International. He was a special attendee at the Global R&D Summit in his capacity as one of the most renowned science writer/ reporter in India for 40 years.
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| GADAR PARTY CENTENARY CELEBRATIONS CONTINUE | |
GOPIO-WASH. DC CAPITAL REGION CELEBRATES GADAR CENTENARY
"The Gadar Movement was like a spark of fire, which lit up the whole forest," said ambassador of India Nirupama Rao, addressing the audience of over 200 at the centennial celebration of Gadar Movement for India's independence. "It is the spirit of sacrifice, the spirit of courage that was exemplified by Gadarites who were inspired by the call of freedom," she added.
Rao enumerated the steps being taken by the Indian government, including release of a postage stamp by the Prime Minister early this year, to recognize the significant contribution of the movement in India's freedom struggle. She mentioned that the Indian government has taken upon the project to convert the Gadar Memorial Hall in San Francisco into a museum and functional library. The ambassador also recognized services of octogenarian Ghulam Yazdani Siddiqui, who was imprisoned in India by the British government, for his participation in freedom movement during his student days.
The day-long program of seminars, banquet and entertainment was held at Rockville Hilton in Maryland on 28th July. Organizers included the Metropolitan Washington GOPIO (Global Organization of People of Indian Origin) in cooperation with national GOPIO and Indian community organizations of Metro Washington. Speakers talked about the formation of Gadar Party and its initial members that included Lala Hardayal, Maulvi Barkatullah, Kartar Singh Sarabha, Sohan Singh Bhakna, and others. Inder Singh, chairman GOPIO International said that the current generation of Indian-Americans knows very little about the history of Indians in US.
Surender Pal Singh, grandson of Bhagwan Singh-one of the eminent Gadarites-said there is a need to recognize the contributions of the Gadar Movement and its leaders in the freedom struggle. Singh, who had come from Atlanta for this occasion added that time has come to make Gadar Movement a part of text books. Professor Harbans Lal said that the movement, which started in the west coast of northern America with a small group of people from diverse religious groups, impacted India thousands of miles away with full force. Joy Cherian and Sambhu Banik talked about life and contribution of heroes of Gadar Movement. Sandip Mallick of SAADA (South-Asian American Digital Archive) gave a presentation on the archival material SAADA is helping preserve for Gadar movement history.
Welcoming the guests, Washington GOPIO president Zafar Iqbal said that the program for year-long celebration of the centennial was launched at the Embassy of India on 3rd November 2012. He elaborated that the event was organized to honor the ultimate sacrifices of Gadar Movement heroes, who preached and practiced the motto, Sar Kata Sakte Hain; Sar Juka Sakte Nahin (We can have our heads cut off, we cannot bow our heads to anyone). Event chairperson and master of ceremony Renuka Misra highlighted the significance of the movement that had the cooperation of major communities including Sikhs, Muslims, and Hindus.
 Photo above: Ambassador Nirupama Rao with GOPIO Chairman Inder Singh and organizers Dr. Renu Misra, Dr. Zafar Iqbal and other GOPIO officials and dignitaries.
Ambassador Subhas Mungra of Republic of Surinam, Ambassador Islam Siddiqui, Chief Agricultural Negotiator US, Deputy Secretary of Maryland State Dr. Rajan Natarajan, Maryland State Attorney-General Mr. Douglas Gansler, Montgomery County Executive Ike Leggett, and Maryland State Delegate Aruna Miller also expressed their appreciation for the event celebrating 100 years of the independence movement. Dr. Satish Misra and Nitin Gupta thanked the guests, supporters, and participants in making the event a success.
GOPIO UPPER NEW YORK TO HONOR GADAR HEROES AT FAMILY BRUNCH
GOPIO Upper New York Chapter is organizing a Family Brunch in honor of the Gadar Movement on Saturday, September 7 starting at 11.30 a.m. at Caribbean Cabana Restaurant, 11602 Jamaica Avenue, Queens, New York city. Minimum donation is $20.
For information and registration, contact: Jhairam Persaud at 917-748-2430, e-mail:jayperappraisal@verizon.net
GOPIO GADAR CENTENNIAL EVENT IN NEW YORK ON SEP 21, 2013
GOPIO International in collaboration with GOPIO's chapters in the New York-New Jersey-Connecticut area, along with several Indian-American organizations and prominent civic leaders, historians and academicians, is holding the GOPIO Gadar Centennial Commemoration event on September 21, 2013 in Long Island, New York. Prominent guests to include Amb. Dnyaneshwar Mulay, Indian Consul General in New York, as well as officials from the New York region. The planned event incorporates the GOPIO recommended seminar format of "GOPIO GADAR Centennial Commemoration" with qualified historians, academicians and civic representatives. GOPIO's Gadar documentary 20-minute DVD will be shown and "Gadar Heroics" book will be complimentary to all attendees.
GOPIO Gadar Centennial Commemoration event on September 21, 2013 follows its very successful launch of its GOPIO Gadar Centennial Commemoration in the USA on Saturday, November 3, 2012 at the Embassy of India in Washington, DC with Amb. Rao as the Chief Guest. Similar GOPIO Gadar Centennial Commemoration events were recently held in Los Angeles, Atlanta and Washington, DC.
Contact: Mohinder Singh Taneja, Director, Community Liaison, GOPIO Int'l attanejams@aol.com
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| GOPIO INTERNATIONAL AND CHAPTER NEWS | |
GOPIO ORGANIZES TWO KEY MEETINGS WITH FICCI SECRETARY GENERAL DIDAR SINGH
GOPIO Business Council, in collaboration with the Indian Consulate in New York and the Indo-American Chamber of Commerce (IACC-USA), organized an interactive community meeting and dinner with Dr. A. Didar Singh, Secretary General of Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce of India (FICCI) on Sunday, August 4, 2013. The event was held at the Indian Consulate's Ballroom and well attended by prominent members of the Indian American community in New York-New Jersey-Connecticut region.
The theme of the discussion was "Emerging Opportunities for the Indian Diaspora" (including Young Entrepreneurs). After welcome by Mr. Sugand Rajaram (Consul, Press, Information & Culture), remarks by Mr. Norman Solovay (Chairman of IACC-USA), and Indian Consul General Amb. Dnyaneshwar Mulay, GOPIO International president Ashook Ramsaran introduced Dr A. Didar Singh, former Secretary of Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs (MOIA) with whom GOPIO has worked closely on several matters of significance to the Indian Diaspora. Dr Singh spoke on the many current and emerging investment opportunities in India as well as the reverse technology flow, including the role of GOPIO in Diaspora connectivity with India and respective homelands. A very informative interactive session on matters of interest was followed by dinner.
Event coordinators were: GOPIO: Ashook Ramsaran; Mridul Pathak; Mahindra Pratap; Navin Pathak; Shelly Nichani; IACC-USA: Norman Solovay; Indian Consulate in New York: Judy Menon . The event was sponsored by: GOPIO Business Council; Vikram & Anita Bhat; Kingfisher; Bharat Travel & Tourism Inc; Mohinder Taneja; Indo-American Chamber of Commerce - USA (IACC-USA); and the Indian Consulate in New York.
On August 5, 2013 Dr Singh addressed a wide cross section of business representatives at a Tea and Networking Event based on "Opportunities for U.S. Based Middle Market Companies in the U.S. - India and Cross Border Corridor". The event was held at Citicorp headquarters in New York, coordinated by Citicorp in association with Indo - American Chamber of Commerce USA and the Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO), and sponsored by Citi-Anchin Indian Business Initiative. Welcome remarks by Ali Hirji, Senior Vice President, One Citi India Initiative; introduction by GOPIO president Ashook Ramsaran and closing remarks by Kuldeepak Acharya of Citi-Anchin. Moderator was Mridul Pathak.
Photo of Dr A. Didar Singh flanked by GOPIO officials and program sponsors
GOPIO-WAIKATO IN NEW ZEALAND CELEBRATES INDIA'S INDEPENDENCE DAY
On 15 August 2013, GOPIO Waikato celebrated India's 67th Independence Day along with National Poetry Day at the Hamilton Garden Place Library. The programme commenced with a Unity Lunch at Sky City, Hamilton, followed by assembly at the Garden place Library. President Pradeep Kapoor welcomed the attendees comprised of children, youth and old. Members of different religions and ethnicity from the length and breadth of the town and nearby Morrinsville graced the occasion
Suman Kapoor gave a brief opening speech stating the importance of establishing cross-cultural relationship and participation of people of Indian origin from India, Pakistan, Fiji and New Zealand in celebrations like this one.
The highlight of the occasion was little Smuriti Sharma who was dressed up as 'Bharat Mata' i.e. Mother India who cut a tricolored cake which was relished by all. This was followed by a patriotic poem in ethnic language about struggle for India's Independence composed and recited by Somnath Gupta, a Gujarati Kathiavadi poetry sung by Jayantkumar Thanki, a quiz by Savitri Naidu. Madan Singh Bange (Country Section) impressed all with his sound knowledge of India's history. David Searle who hails from Dunedin recited a self composed poem on the iconic landmark of Hamilton the Barge that stood on the Waipa Delta for decades which has ceased to exist. Favourite sing along songs were sung by Purshottam Shrivastava visiting NZ from India and Savitri Naidu Kiwi Indian from Fiji. Taqui &. Itrat Mehndi (Pakiwi) sang a beautiful song popularly known as 'Kaumi Nagma' which literarily means, a Community Song the chorus of which was sung by one and all but mainly by Sadaf Naveed, Neena Sharma, and Beljit Kaur.
Photo above: GOPIO-Waikato officials with dignitaries and artists
Suman Kapoor acknowledged all for taking out time from their busy schedules to attend the programme. She expressed her special thanks to Arti Sharma who had shown great enthusiasm and leadership in making the necessary arrangements for the event by arranging the cake, distributing sweets and dressing up her daughter as Bharat Mata; Michelle Liu for designing the beautiful invite flyer; and the Library Staff especially Lisa Pitchard and Debbie Lascelles for their valuable support and letting the venue.
GOPIO-CT CELEBRATES INDIA INDEPENDENCE DAY WITH FLAG HOISTING AND RECOGNITION OF HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES
GOPIO-CT organized India Independence Day celebration with a flag hoisting, dignitaries and entertainment at the Stamford Government Center on Sunday, August 18th. Over 200 members of the Indian-American community, from toddlers to seniors, and elected officials gathered to celebrate 66 years of India's Independence and the hoisting of the American, Indian and Connecticut flags with singing of the American and Indian national anthems lead by students of the music school Raagavihaara. The guests at the event included Former Lt. Governor of Connecticut, Michael Fedele and Stamford Board of Finance Member David Martin, among many others. The program was sponsored by Rakesh Narang and Neelam Narang of Fairfield, Connecticut.
The US Stars and Stripes, the Indian Tricolor and Connecticut flags were hoisted by Michael Fedele and David Martin, event sponsor Rakesh Narang and GOPIO-CT President Shailesh Naik, with the singing of the American and Indian national anthems, led by the Indian-American youth dressed in their colorful national attire.
Both Fedele and Martin spoke on the occasion and praised the Indian-American community and GOPIO-Connecticut's leadership in organizing these events in Stamford. Rakesh Narang expressed his good wishes to India in his speech.
GOPIO-CT President Shailesh Naik, in his welcome speech wished India and the entire Indian Diaspora spread throughout the far corners of the world a very Happy Independence Day. He mentioned in his speech that the modern progressive and secular ideologies adapted by India have translated into a decade of strong economic development of India, but there is still more work to be done towards political stability, social cohesion and security.
Photo above: From top left clockwise: Young girls performing a dance number; from .l. r. sponsor Rakesh Narang, Stamford Board of Finance Member David martin, Shailesh Naik and program coordinator Prakash Chakravarti; Former CT. Lt. Governor Michael Fedele raising the American flag; Children singing Indian National Anthem
GOPIO-CT also recognized over two dozen high school graduates at the event. Entertainment program included a patriotic song "Love you India" by Arunodhaya Dance Academy and a rendition of the song, 'Sare Jahan Se Accha' by local Indian youth. Also young Anjo Therattil spoke about India's Independence.
GOPIO-TEL AVIV CELEBRATES INDIA INDEPENDENCE DAY WITH AMBASSADOR JAIDEEP SARKAR
The GOPIO-Tel Aviv Chapter in Israel participated in the celebration of India's 67th Independence day at the Ambassador's residence. The celebration opened with the hoisting of the Indian flag by the Ambassador Jaideep Sarkar and the singing of the National Anthem. Ambassador Jaideep Sarkar then addressed the guests and read out the President's address to the nation.bThis was followed by an entertaining program by the Indian soldiers from the UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon) who gave a performance of Indian folk dances like the Bhangra and Lezhim. The Mizo people too presented the bamboo dance. The GOPIO group presented a bouquet to Ambassador Sarkar and his wife Mrs. Minoka Sarkar. Refreshments were served to the guests and the day ended on a good note.
Photo above: GOPIO-Tel Aviv officials with Indian Ambassador Jaideep Sarkar
GOPIO-LONDON CHAPTER MEETING
The Executive Committee members of the GOPIO London Chapter gave a briefing of the activities and future plan to Mr. Sunny Kulathakal, Executive Vice President of GOPIO International in a meeting held at Hilton Hotel, Dartford on 17 August 2013.
Mr Kulathakal presented a copy of the GOPIO book published during GOPIO convention held at Kochi, India 2013 to Deb Sen. Secretary of GOPIO-UK Chapter.
Committee has agreed to participate at the GOPIO biennial convention to be held at Sydney, Australia on 8 & 9 November, 2013.
Photo: from l. to r.: Jinu Mathew Exec. Member, Geogy Varghese Treasurer, Koshy Thomas Vice President, Janeevan John Joint Secretary, Sunny Kulathakkal, Exec. Vice President GOPIO Int'l and GOPIO-London Secretary Deb Sen.
GOPIO IN SOLIDARITY ON "NATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY" IN SOUTH AFRICA
On the occasion of "National Women's Day" in South Africa, the Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO International) joined in solidarity with GOPIO Women's Council and GOPIO's chapters in South Africa and globally, along with other organizations, institutions and individuals, to commemorate the national march of women on 9th August, 1956 to petition against legislation that required African persons to carry the "pass", special identification documents which curtailed an African's freedom of movement during the apartheid era. We pay honored tribute to the pioneers of this national struggle and recognize the successes achieved on behalf of women's rights, understanding the history, aspirations, challenges and achievements of South Africa's women under apartheid and leading up to democracy in South Africa.
As evidenced by the recent revelations of abuses against women in many countries, including South Africa, GOPIO also recognized that there is more to be done to correct the inequities confronting women, strive to address these issues, and seek remedies at all levels. GOPIO actively promotes awareness and understanding of women's issues of concern and interest in social, cultural, educational, economic and political spheres. Towards these objectives, GOPIO is convening its Women's Conference to be held on 9th November, 2013 in Sydney, Australia. The conference seeks to address current, critical issues confronting women of all ages globally, irrespective of race, religion or region.
Contacts: Sudesh Maharaj, president of GOPIO Durban atsudesh.maharaj@mweb.co.za; Rita Abraham, Co-Chairperson of GOPIO Women's Council (South Africa) at rabraham@mweb.co.za
GOPIO INTERNATIONAL MAKES MORE APPPOINTMENTS
GOPIO continues its efforts to identify and appoint suitably qualified persons to fill vacant positions in GOPIO's various committees and councils. GOPIO International president Ashook Ramsaran, ably assisted by GOPIO international coordinators, council chairpersons and chapter officials, announces the following additional appointments made recently.
In making these appointments, Ramsaran stated that, "my objective is to further expand and grow GOPIO at all levels, to make it much more globally representative as GOPIO continues its vital outreach and service to an ever increasing population in the global Indian Diaspora".
Sheela Vyas (Netherlands) MA (University of Amsterdam)
Co-Chairperson GOPIO Women's Council
Born in Uganda and raised in Netherlands. Worked as a consultant in the field of diversity management in both the private and public sector, manages empowerment projects from her consultancy 'Lotus and Tulip' concerning taboo subjects such as mental health and domestic violence. Founding member of the Women Council of the VON ( Vluchtelingen Organiaties Nederland) and secretary of the RLRA (de Raad voor Levensbeschouwingen en Religies Amsterdam). Currently serves as secretary of women's activities in GOPIO of Netherlands.
Mohinder Singh Taneja (New York, USA)
Director, Community Liaison
A GOPIO Life Member and long time supporter of GOPIO. An active and dedicated community advocate, working at all levels to network and bring together people of diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds and religions. He has opened dialogue and planted the seeds of friendship and understanding amongst diverse communities throughout the New York Metropolitan area. Held several prominent positions including Nassau County including Director of Outreach Initiatives.
Correction - In GOPIO News of June 10, 2013, please add that Shatrugan Sukdeo has been appointed as Director, Chapter Development, North America.
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NRIs/PIOs ACHIEVE
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INDIAN AMERICAN PHYSICIAN GIVES $3 MILLION TO OHIO'S SOUTHWEST GENERAL HOSPITAL
Southwest General Hospital, a 358-bed acute-care facility in Middlebury Heights, Ohio, has received a $3 million gift from one of its physicians, Vasu Pandrangi, and his wife, Lisa, for a $128 million hospital expansion project.
The campaign is the largest privately funded project underway in Cuyahoga County and the largest gift in the hospital's history. The expansion will include a new patient bed tower with 96 private patient rooms, which will be named Pandrangi Tower, in recognition of the Pandrangi family's gift. The project includes a new emergency room, a critical-care unit and an underground parking garage.
A plastic surgeon and chairman of the Southwest Community Health System board of trustees since 2007; Pandrangi is a former chair and a current member of Southwest General's medical staff. His wife is a registered nurse and has been involved in the Westlake School District. The family lives in Westlake, Ohio.
"For more than 32 years, Southwest General has been home to Lisa and me," said Pandrangi in a statement. "Our choice to make this donation was truly embedded in the fact that we want to see Southwest General's future flourish," the Indian American physician added.
"Southwest General has been a staple in the communities southwest of Cleveland since 1920. We hope that by giving back to this community hospital, others will do so as well."
Pandrangi has also donated funds to buy air conditioning units, stretchers and wheelchairs for King George Hospital's burn unit in India. The ER/critical care unit and the patient bed tower are expected to open in early 2014 and yearend 2014, respectively.
TWO INDIAN AMERICANS NAMED 2013 JEFFERSION SCIENCE FELLOWS
Kannappan Palaniappan from University of Missouri and BL Ramakrishna from Arizona State University are among the 2013-2014 Jefferson Science Fellows who begin their one-year assignments in mid-August. Initiative of the Office of the Science and Technology Adviser to the US Secretary of State, the Jefferson Science Fellows Program is designed to further build capacity for science, technology and engineering expertise within the US Department of State and US Agency for International Development.
Palaniappan directs the Center for Computational Imaging and VisAnalysis focusing on research at the synergistic intersection of image analysis, computer vision, parallel computing, information fusion and machine learning. Co-inventor of the Interactive Image SpreadSheet for interactive exploration of massive multispectral imagery, he is a recipient of the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada Scholarship, University of Missouri William T. Kemper Fellowship for Teaching Excellence, Air Force Summer Faculty Fellowships, Boeing Welliver Summer Faculty Fellowship and the NASA Public Service Medal.
Ramakrishna's research is expected to lead to an understanding of the engineering design principles adopted by a variety of living systems such as fungi and microbes, and could have applications in the areas of biosensors and silicon-bio hybrid devices. A PhD from the IIT Madras in 1982, he is dedicated to preparing engineers with cross-disciplinary knowledge, entrepreneurial spirit, global perspective and a sense of mission needed to lead the world to meet the great challenges facing humankind in the 21st century.
Those selected as Jefferson Science Fellows are chosen not only for expertise and leadership in their fields, but for interest in global issues, policy-making and promoting relations across cultures.
FOUR INDIAN AMERICANS WIN 2013 SIMONS INVESTIGATORS AWARD
Kannan Soundararajan of Stanford, Rajeev Alur from Univ of Pennsylvania, Salil P. Vadhan of Harvard and Senthil Todadri from MIT were among the 13 mathematicians, theoretical physicists and theoretical computer scientists who have won 2013 Simons Investigators awards. They will each receive $100,000 a year for five years for their long-term research with the possibility of renewal for five additional years. The awards are given by New York-based Simons Foundation to advance the frontiers of research in mathematics and the basic sciences.
Mathematician Soundararajan's work is focused on understanding the zeros and value distribution of L-functions, and on analyzing the behavior of multiplicative functions. The India-born professor has an undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan and a PhD from Princeton.
Two of three awards in computer science went to Alur and Vadhan. Alur is a top researcher in formal modeling and algorithmic analysis of computer systems. He has BS and PhD degrees in computer science from IIT-Kanpur and Stanford University, respectively.
Vadhan has produced a series of original and influential papers on computational complexity and cryptography. He has a PhD in applied mathematics from MIT, a certificate of advanced study in mathematics from Churchill College at Cambridge University and AB in mathematics and computer science from Harvard University.
A professor of physics, Todadri's work with Fisher on Z2 topological order in models of spin liquid states has provided key insights and initiated the systematic investigation of gauge structures in many-body systems, now a vital subfield of condensed matter physics. Todadri has his Ph.D. from Yale and an undergraduate degree from IIT-Kanpur.
OBAMA NOMINATES INDIAN-AMERICAN TO KEY JUDITIART POST
Legal luminary Vince Girdhari Chhabria has been nominated by US President Barack Obama to a key judiciary post in California. Chhabria, nominated to be US District Judge for the Northern District of California, is currently Deputy City Attorney for Government Litigation and as the Co-Chief of Appellate Litigation at the San Francisco City Attorney's Office, where he has worked since 2005.
"These men and women have had distinguished legal careers and I am honored to ask them to continue their work as judges on the federal bench," Obama said, adding that they will serve the American people with integrity and an unwavering commitment to justice. Once confirmed, Chhabria will be the first South Asian Article III judge in California.
Chhabria began his legal career by clerking for Judge Charles R Breyer of the US District Court for the Northern District of California. A member of the South Asian Bar Association of Northern California and NASABA, he was a speaker at the 2011 NASABA Convention in Los Angeles. Chhabria received his J.D. in 1998 from Boalt Hall School of Law at the University of California, Berkeley and his BA in 1991 from the University of California, Santa Cruz.
BRITAIN APPOINTS INDIAN-ORIGIN PERSON AS UKTI INDIA HEAD
The British government appointed Kumar Iyer as director general for UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) in India. This is a new top level post and has been created to reflect the increasing importance of business ties between the two countries. As UKTI director general, India, Iyer will have overall responsibility for the bilateral commercial and trade relationship. He will also be British deputy high commissioner for western India.
Since 2008, Iyer has been a high-ranking official at the British Treasury and the Prime Minister's Strategy Unit. He has an MPhil in Economics from Cambridge University where he was a Bank of England scholar and an undergraduate tutor in Microeconomics. He was also a Kennedy Scholar and Teaching Fellow in International Capital Markets at Harvard University.
INDIAN-AMERICAN NOMINATED AS ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF STATE FOR SOUTH ASIA
President Barack Obama nominated Nisha Desai-Biswal, an accomplished Indian-American administrator to head the South Asia bureau in the US state department.
Desai will become the first person of Indian or even South Asian origin to head the bureau, which oversees US foreign policy and relations with India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Maldives and Bhutan. She is currently the assistant administrator with USAID, which is headed by Rajiv Shah.
Desai-Biswal's nomination is unprecedented in the sense that the South Asia bureau has always been headed by "all-American" diplomats, although there have been many mid-level staffers who are US-born but are of sub-continental origin.
A graduate of the University of Virginia she began her professional career in Washington DC with the American Red Cross in the mid-90s before she joined USAID. From 2005 to 2010, she was the Majority Clerk for the State Department and Foreign Operations Subcommittee on the Committee on Appropriations in the US, a crucial position close to the purse strings of American foreign aid.
Her appointment was met with much delight in the Indian-American community as this is the first time an Indian-American is heading the South Asia bureau, a new milestone for the community.
IIT-IAN BECOMES DEAN OF TOP SINGAPORE BUSINESS SCHOOL
Ravi Kumar, an alumnus of IIT Madras has been appointed Dean of the Nanyang Business School (NBS) in Singapore's Nanyang Technological University (NTU).
Kumar previously served in several key positions at the University of South California's (USC) Marshall Business School, including vice dean for international programs and vice dean for graduate programs. He has also served as dean of the College of Business at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, a stint that saw the Korean college break into the top 100 of the Financial Times global MBA rankings.
Kumar also holds a Master of Science degree in industrial engineering from the University of Texas, and a doctorate in philosophy from the industrial engineering and management sciences department at Northwestern University in the US.
RUPA GOSWAMI NAMED LA COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT JUDGE
Governor Jerry Brown's appointment of Rupa S. Goswami of South Pasadena to the Los Angeles County Superior Court marks a historic first. She becomes the first South Asian American woman named to the judiciary in California.
Goswami has worked at the US Attorney's Office in the Central District of California since 2001. Goswami currently works in the Los Angeles-based Central District's environmental crimes section. Her previous positions in the district have included deputy chief of the general crime section, assistant U.S. attorney in the cyber crime section and working in the domestic security, immigration, terrorism and organized crime sections.
In a statement, Puneet V. Kakkar, co-president (with Goswami) of the South Asian Bar Association of Southern California said Goswami has been a trailblazer with respect to the legal issues she tackles and the justice she accomplishes. All of this will only be multiplied now that she is on the bench."
Goswami, who grew up in rural Ohio and Florida, has a JD from the UCLA School of Law and an MBA in finance from the University of Chicago, where she received her bachelor's degree.
INDIAN WOMAN SCIENTIST'S PORTRAIT TO BE EXHIBITED IN BRITAIN
Sunetra Gupta, an India-born chemist and physicist has joined the big league of female scientists in a first-of-its-kind art exhibition at the prestigious Royal Society. The Royal Society display uses portraits by a range of artists to celebrate a few of the leading women in science titled - "does it make a difference?" including nutritionist Elsie Widdowson, astro-biologist Zita Martins among others.
A professor of theoretical epidemiology at Oxford University, Gupta is among an exclusive group as part of the Women in Science Portrait Exhibition of the greatest female fellows of the Royal Society together with newly-commissioned drawings featuring Royal Society Research Fellows.
Her main area of interest is the evolution of diversity in pathogens, with particular reference to the infectious disease agents that are responsible for malaria, influenza and bacterial meningitis.
The show has been curated by Uta Frith, a leading British developmental psychologist.
INDIAN PROFESSOR HONORED AT LONDON EALING MAYOR'S PARLOR
82-year-old Indian professor Surjit Hans, who translated all works of William Shakespeare into Punjabi, has been honored with a bust of the 18th century Bard of Avon.
Ealing Mayor Kamaljit S Dhindsa and deputy leader of the Labor Party of Ealing Council Ranjit Dheer presented the bust to Hans in appreciation of his works including translation of 38 plays of Shakespeare
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