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NORTH AmERIcAN Newsline AUGUST 13, 2021 | The Indian Eye 27

An award being presented to Shailesh Naik The audience dancing to Bollywood tunes at the event

PIO-CT) by hoisting American,
Indian and Connecticut flags
at the Government Center in
Stamford.” Children represent-
ing the Stamford Tamil Sangam
sang the anthems of both the US
and India.
Connecticut Attorney Gen-
eral William Tong spoke strong-
ly about the recent wave of hate
crimes against Asians, while tries in Connecticut, making also made outstanding contri- India, Music, Magic Show and
promising to do everything pos- cash contributions to food pan- butions in hospitality, science, Bollywood Dances were enjoyed
sible to honor the rich diversity tries, organizing many of our fes- engineering and technology and by one and all. There were ven-
of peoples of the state, repre- tivals and interactive talk on the education.” Said Dr. Abraham. dors who served delicious Indian
senting diverse cultures and tra- Zoom, we also participated in “We are also not behind in po- food, Indian arts and crafts, Indi-
ditions. the virtual Cancer Walk to bene- litical process and last year we an clothing and other items were
Mill River Park Collabora- fit Bennet Cancer Center of the have made history in the USA, displayed at the park giving a
tive Board member Dr. Fatima Stamford Hospital and contin- not only by the election of In- glimpse of Indian diverse culture.
Mawji, CT State Senator Pa- ued to support the soup kitchen dian/African American Sena- The program was co-chaired
tricia Billie Miller representing at the New Covenant Center. tor Kamala Harris as the Vice by Dr. Jaya Daptadar, Prachi
Senate District 27and CT State “In the last few years, we have President and reelecting the Narayana and Dr. Beena Ram-
Representatives Harry Arora supported many service orga- four House of Representatives chandran
representing CT 151st district, nizations including Women’s but also a record number of law- Over the last 15 years, GO-
Caroline Simmons representing Mentoring Network, Future makers to the state house,” Dr. PIO-CT, a chapter of GOPIO
144th district and Matt Blumen- 5, Children’s Learning Center. Abraham added. International has become an ac-
thal representing 147 District Early this year, we raised funds Stamford Resident Mr. tive and dynamic organization
were among others how graced for Building One Community Shailesh Naik was bestowed hosting interactive sessions with
the event and lauded the great and we will continue to sup- with Indian Independence Lib- policy makers and academicians,
contributions of Indian Amer- port such service organizations,” erty Award. An engineer by pro- community events, youth men-
icans. Two other celebrities at Nichani said. fession and Principal of Charles toring and networking work-
the event were Baseball legend GOPIO-CT Trustee/Advisor A. Manganaro Consulting Engi- shops, and working with other
Bobby Valentine and miss Con- and Chairman of GOPIO Inter- neers, Naik has been serving the area organizations to help cre-
necticut 2021 Sapna Raghavan national Dr. Thomas Abraham Indian American community for ate a better future. GOPIO-CT
who will be competing for Miss said in his message that while the last 15 years. Shailesh served – Global Organization of People
America Pageant to be held in India has been growing in all as President GOPIO-CT from of Indian Origin – serves as a
December 2021. spheres of life, in the last 7 de- 2010 to 2014 and as President of non-partisan, secular, civic and
The program began with the cades, India had also sent large Society of Indo-American Engi- community service organization
singing of a patriotic song, fol- number of its brightest to Amer- neers and Architects (SIAEA) – promoting awareness of Indian
lowed by a welcome address by ica who have made substantial for two years. culture, customs and contribu-
GOPIO-CT President Ashok contributions in building up the Following the flag hoisting tions of PIOs through commu-
Nichani. He said, “In spite of economy of America. “Our con- and the India Independence nity programs, forums, events
Covid Pandemic, we did very tributions are noted very well in Day Ceremony with elected of- and youth activities. It seeks to
well with our activities includ- the Health Care especially our ficials and celebrities, an India strengthen partnerships and cre-
ing delivering food items to the doctors and nurses are frontline Festival comprising of colorful ate an ongoing dialogue with lo-
frontline workers and food pan- workers against Covid. We have Folk and Classical Dances of cal communities.

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