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NORTH AMERICAN Newsline FEBRUARY 11, 2022 | The Indian Eye 19

the state and national offices. I am
thrilled to be where we are today.”
He went onto introducing each of
the elected officials who had joined
the celebrations today.
New Jersey State Senator Vin
Gopal recalled his visit with New
Jersey Governor Phil Murphy trav-
eling to several states in India meet-
ing with several Chief Ministers and
building relationships collaborating
in several areas between India and
New Jersey, which now has the fast-
est growing Indian American com-
munity in the United States.
He proudly stated about how
New Jersey has passed the legis-
lation including Asian American GOPIO officials and organizers of the celebration, Top row, from l. to r. GOPIO Chairman Dr. Thomas Abraham,
history in the school curriculum GOPIO-Manhattan Executive VP Prof. Raj Vangapaty and President Shivender Sofat. Bottom row, from l. to r. GOPIO-Manhattan Committee
teaching Indian history to all school
children in the state. Referring to Member Chitranjan Belwariar, GOPIO-CT President Ashok Nichani and GOPIO VP Ram Gadhavi
his frequent trips to India to meet
with his grandparents, the young how the Indian American Caucuses audience about her own life, chal- ress under democratic rule and is
Senator said, “I am inspired by the are growing across the nation and in lenges in becoming a female, non- now moving forward to become the
values taught by family, which we several states. In the state of New White elected official from a state Third Largest economy in the world.
carry them in our lives.” Jersey, the Indian American repre- which is majority White. “It was a As we celebrate 73rd Republic Day
Vermont State Senator Kesha sentation in state offices has grown very slow and gradual journey after I of India, let us rededicate ourselves
Ram shared of the reasons for her from 1 to 7 this year. “That’s the had come to the US to pursue high- to the cause of democracy, freedom,
entering politics. “I got engaged way it should be. I am proud of all er studies in the 1980s.” Inspired by justice, and peace not only in India
with the community for long, where that GOPIO has contributed social- Gandhiji’s message of non-violence, but all over the world,” he said.
we care for each other.” One of the ly and financially to make this hap- which Martin Luther and late Rep. Dr. Jaya Daptardar eloquently
youngest ever to be elected to State pen. I am proud of the contributions John Lewis had imbibed in their emceed the event. American Na-
Assembly at the age of 21, she said, of the Indian Diaspora, who are in public life, the 1st generation Indi- tional Anthem was sung by: Mathy
“I am the first ever woman of col- the front lines of global healthcare. an American said, “I am a woman, Pillai, while the Indian National An-
or top be elected to the state As- NRIs are helping the nation and the Brown colored, 1st generation In- them was by Jyothi Gupta and team
sembly in Vermont. Continuing to world, come out of the Covid. And dian and very vocal in expressing from Long Island. Popular artists
break through the barriers, we can it’s the time to celebrate.” my views.” Stating that she has in- from New Jersey and Connecticut,
work together to elect more NRIs. NY State Representative troduced traditional health systems including Pallavi Belwariar, Kedar
“It’s incredible to be of public ser- Jenifer Rajkumar from the 28th of India including Ayurveda in New Godbole, Srinivas Gunupuru, and
vice, following in the footsteps of my District thanked GOPIO and the Hampshire, she thanked the Indian Trupti Shah presented popular ever-
great grandfathers,” she said, refer- Indian American community for Consulate which has “worked with green patriotic songs such as Vande
ring to her ancestry back in India, the inspiration she has had in her us to enhance awareness on India Mataram and Jai Ho with their
who had fought for the freedom for life, “Indian identity is central to and its diverse culture and demo- beautiful voices.
India. “We have carried with us that my election to the state assembly in cratic values.” Media Sponsor and Live
spirit of community service.” New York. I stand on your shoulders Connecticut State Represen- Streaming was provided by Indus
Ohio State Senator Niraj An- as GOPIO has played a great role in tative Harry Arora said, “We know TV (New Jersey). GOPIO-Manhat-
tani, said, he is the 2nd Indian helping me get elected to the State how powerful it is to have set up of tan Committee Member Chitranjan
American ever elected to a state- Assembly.” laws and rules of laws, the power of Belwariar proposed a vote of thanks
wide office and he is one of the only Referring to the record three In- a country comes from a beautifully which was followed by introduction
Republicans of Indian Origin to be dian Americans elected to the state, written constitution which was ad- of all sponsoring organizations by
elected. “Freedom is rare and needs she said, “We made history and I opted on that day and the fact that GOPIO-Manhattan Executive
to be upheld and protected. I work want to thank the community lead- we have lived with that beautifully Prominent among those who
hard to reach across the aisle and ers who have made this possible.” so many years with that constitution had joined the Republic Day cele-
cooperate with people in both the Rajkumar shared with the audience in India, which works.” Rep. Arora brations included GOPIO VP Ram
Parties to legislate.” Sharing his ear- as to how growing up in a family that also added that we may complain Gadhavi who is also the chair of
ly days and inspiration to enter pol- emphasized the teachings of Gand- that sometimes things might not Gujarat Literary Academy of North
itics, he said, “My parents worked hian principles has helped her to ap- work, but overall, on a macro level America; Lal Motwani, GOPIO
hard to live the American dream. preciate diversity, justice and equal- it has worked. Foundation Executive Trustee; Dr.
There is a need for us to be at the ity for all. She referred to the Bills GOPIO Chairman, Dr. Thom- Asha Samant, GOPIO International
decision-making table. Everyone is she has introduced in the Assembly as Abraham in his introductory Coordinator-at-Large; and several
able to realize the dream. We stand to celebrate Punjabi culture and de- remarks highlighted how India, af- GOPIO Chapter Presidents, includ-
on your shoulders, to carry on the claring and October as Hindu her- ter a long non-violent struggle, got ing, GOPIO New York President
Indian values.” itage month as well as to celebrate its independence from the British Beena Kothari; GOPIO Manhattan
New Jersey State Rep. Raj India’s Independence Day. Colonial Rule and declared itself President Shivender Sofat; GO-
Mukerji said, “We are celebrating New Hampshire State Rep. a Republic in 1950 with one of the PIO-CT President Ashok Nichani;
the world’s largest democracy today Latha Mangipudi, who has been longest written constitutions. “Al- GOPIO-Central Jersey Kunal Me-
and India’s contributions to building elected again to the NH House of though we started with almost noth- hta; and, Rockland County Legisla-
a better world for all.” He pointed to Representatives, shared with the ing, in 75 years, India made prog- ture Anney Paul.

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