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NORTH AMERICAN Newsline AUGUST 11, 2023 | The Indian Eye 20

GOPIO-CT to celebrate India’s 76th Anniversary

with Flag Hoisting and India Festival in Stamford

Stamford resident Mrs. Anita Bhat will be bestowed with Indian Independence Liberty Award for

service to GOPIO-CT and for community service

OUR BUREAU

Stamford, CT
ndia got its independence from
the British rule in 1947. To mark
Ithe 76th Anniversary of India’s in-
dependence, the Connecticut chapter
of the Global Organization of People
of Indian Origin (GOPIO-CT) has
joined hands with Stamford City and
Mill River Collaborative to host India
Festival in Stamford to commemorate
Indian Independence, when the then
Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal
Nehru raised the Indian flag at the Red
Fort in New Delhi on August 15, 1947.
“The Indian Diaspora in Con-
necticut is a growing community con-
sisting generally IT and management
professionals, healthcare workers
and a large number of entrepreneurs
in hospitality and small businesses,”
said Dr. Thomas Abraham, Chair-
man of GOPIO International and
Trustee/Advisor to GOPIO-CT.
The Indian American community
will join for a celebration organized by
the GOPIO-CT by hoisting American,
Indian and Connecticut flags at the
Government Center in Stamford on
Sunday, August 6th at 11.30 a.m.
Following the flag hoisting, at
12.00 Noon, there is an official cer-
emony to celebrate Indian Indepen-
dence Day at the adjacent Mill Riv-
er Park (corner Broad St. and Mill
River St., Stamford). Honored guests The dancers who would perform at the India Festival
are Stamford Mayor Caroline Sim-
mons’ representative DEI Director
Carmen Hughes, CT State Senator items. Admission is FREE for both the first Miss India Connecticut un- dynamic organization hosting inter-
Ryan Fazio (Senate 36th District, events. Free limited Carousel rides der Diva America in 2009. Anita active sessions with policy makers
Greenwich, Stamford & New Ca- will be provided for small children. has been a driving force and ener- and academicians, community events,
naan), State Representatives Matt Limited number of kites will be avail- gy behind many of the successful youth mentoring and networking
Blumenthal (147th District, Stam- able free. programs by GOPIO-CT Chapter. workshops, and working with other
ford & Darien), David Michel (146th Stamford resident Mrs. Anita The celebration is hosted by area organizations to help create a
District), Anabel Figueroa (148th Bhat will be bestowed with Indi- Mill River Park Collaborative and better future. GOPIO-CT – Glob-
District, Stamford) and Domique an Independence Liberty Award the sponsors are First County Bank, al Organization of People of Indian
Johnson (143rd District, Norwalk & for service to GOPIO-CT and for Keller William Prestige Properties Origin – serves as a non-partisan,
Westport), and Mill River Park Col- community service. Anita has been Associate Sonali Zullurwar and Braj secular, civic and community service
laborative Chair Arnold Karp. a familiar face in the community in Aggarwal CPA. GOPIO-CT Presi- organization – promoting awareness
After the ceremony, the Mill Connecticut for 20 plus years volun- dent Jaya Daptardar will welcome ev- of Indian culture, customs and con-
River will witness Kite flying and an teering her time wherever there is a eryone at the ceremony. The program tributions of people of Indian origin
India Festival with colorful Folk and need. A medical education admin- is chaired by GOPIO-CT Executive through community programs, fo-
Classical Dances of India, Music and istrator, Anita has been a volunteer Vice President Mahesh Jhangiani. rums, events and youth activities. It
Bollywood Dances. There will be with GOPIO-CT since 2007 and Over the last 18 years, GO- seeks to strengthen partnerships and
vendors for Indian food, Indian arts served as Secretary and President PIO-CT, a chapter of GOPIO Inter- create an ongoing dialogue with local
and crafts, Indian clothing and other of the chapter. She also launched national has become an active and communities.

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