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NORTH AMERICAN Newsline APRIL 17, 2026 | The Indian Eye 22

GOPIO-Dallas Chapter Inaugurated with

Community and Political Leaders in Attendance

OUR BUREAU while fostering greater civic engage-
ment within the community.
Dallas, TX
The event concluded with a vote
he Global Organization for of thanks delivered by Executive
People of Indian Origin (GO- Vice President Vinoth Mani, fol-
TPIO) officially launched its lowed by a networking session over
Dallas Chapter during a prestigious light refreshments.
ceremony at Bhartiya Nivas in Dallas,
Texas. The event brought together Post-Launch Engagement
a broad cross-section of the Indian Following the inauguration, the
diaspora and marked a significant newly formed chapter hosted a lun-
milestone in strengthening commu- cheon meeting on March 30, 2026,
nity advocacy and representation bringing together diaspora small and
across North Texas. It served as a medium business owners and pro-
high-profile gathering of diplomatic Chapter would serve as a vital bridge ognition of his contributions. fessional practitioners. The session
representatives, community leaders, connecting local communities with Cultural and Community Highlights explored the potential establishment
and professionals united by a shared global initiatives. He underscored of a Dallas Chapter of the GOPIO
vision for the region’s rapidly growing the important role of the Indian di- The program was emceed by Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Indian-origin population. aspora in strengthening Indo–U.S. Shabnam Modgil and featured a (GCCI) at A2B Indian Vegetarian
The ceremony reached a de- relations and highlighted GOPIO’s blend of ceremonial and cultural el- Restaurant.
fining moment with a traditional continued commitment to safe- ements that reflected the vibrancy of The meeting was addressed by
lamp-lighting, symbolizing unity and guarding the interests of Non-Resi- the Indian diaspora: Dr. Thomas Abraham and Chap-
new beginnings. The inauguration dent Indians (NRIs) and Persons of • A traditional lamp-lighting cere- ter President Muthu Mudaliar, and
was led by Consul General of India in Indian Origin (PIOs) worldwide. mony involving dignitaries, found- moderated by Executive Vice Pres-
Houston, D.C. Manjunath, alongside Dr. Thomas Abraham, GOPIO ing members, and Dallas chapter ident Vinoth Mani. A presentation
GOPIO International Chairman Dr. Founder and Chairman, reflected on leadership was followed by an interactive ques-
Thomas Abraham and GOPIO In- the organization’s historic achieve- • Energetic cultural performances tion-and-answer session with active
ternational President Prakash Shah. ments and global impact. GOPIO choreographed by Masti Academy, audience participation. GCCI aims
They were joined by local leadership, International President Prakash showcasing the richness of Indian to create a robust network connect-
including Chapter President Muthu Shah also addressed attendees, re- heritage ing diaspora businesses locally, na-
Mudaliar, Executive Vice President inforcing the organization’s mission • Strong participation from leaders tionally, and globally.
Vinoth Mani, and Joint Treasurer and future direction. Local leaders, representing prominent Indian About GOPIO-Dallas-TX
Bharat Bhakta. including Chapter President Muthu community organizations across
The program started with ren- Mudaliar and Joint Treasurer Bharat the region Founded to advance the inter-
dering of the National Anthem of Bhakta, spoke about the importance A Vision for Dallas ests and global engagement of peo-
the USA and India. After the lighting of establishing a Dallas chapter and ple of Indian origin, GOPIO is a
ceremony, Masti Academy Dance encouraged community members to The establishment of the GO- non-profit, non-partisan, and secu-
Group presented a Bollywood dance. actively participate. PIO Dallas Chapter comes in re- lar organization. GOPIO-Dallas-TX
Distinguished Guests and Key- Indian American political lead- sponse to the rapid growth of the Chapter plans to organize civic,
note Address ers, including Frisco Councilman Indian population in the Dallas–Fort cultural, educational, and youth-fo-
Consul General D.C. Manju- Burt Thakur and local assembly can- Worth metroplex, as noted in recent cused programs; facilitating dialogue
nath attended as Chief Guest and didate Sanjay Narayan, delivered Malayalam media reports. The chap- with policymakers and thought lead-
delivered the keynote address. He felicitation remarks to mark the oc- ter aims to provide a unified platform ers; and collaborating with partner
commended GOPIO’s 36-year leg- casion. Houston Community leader for professional networking, social organizations to strengthen commu-
acy and emphasized that the Dallas Sam Kannappan was honored in rec- advocacy, and cultural preservation nity engagement and public service.

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