Page 14 - The Indian EYE 082225

North The Indian Eye

AMERICANNewsline

14 AUGUST 22, 2025

Connecticut General Assembly and Cities of

Stamford and Norwalk Honor India and Indian

Americans at India’s 78th Anniversary

OUR BUREAU

New York, NY
onnecticut Stare Assembly has
issued a citation to honor In-
Cdia for its 78th Anniversary of
Independence. The official citation
was initiated by State Representative
Matt Blumenthal and Senator Suja-
ta Gadkar-Wilcox and introduced by
13 other State Representatives and
Senators. It congratulated the Con-
necticut Chapter of the Global Or-
ganization of People of Indian Origin
(GOPIO-CT) for promoting aware-
ness of Indian culture, customs and
the substantial contribution of Indian
Americans to various fields, includ-
ing business and political arena. The Connectoicut State Citation being presented to Indian Consul Pragya Singh
citation also recognized GOPIO-CT
for supporting many charities in Con- over 50 performers were presented at
necticut. The citation was signed by the cultural program.
CT General Assembly’s Pro Tempore The program then continued to
Marten M. Looney, House Speaker the adjacent Mill River Park with an
Matt Ritter and Secretary of State Independence Day Ceremony which
Stephanie Thomas. was addressed by invited guests in-
Connecticut State Assembly Ci- cluding several Connecticut state
tation honoring India being present- officials. The ceremony was started
ed to Indian Consul Pragya Singh. by the program Chair Sonali Gannu
From l. to r. Srinivas Akarapu, Jaya Zullurwar with rendering of India’s
Daptardar, Sonali Gannu, Zullurwar, Natio0nal song Vande Mataram, who
CT Senator Bob Duff, Consul Pragya then introduced GOPIO-CT Execu-
Singh, Senator Sujata Gadkar-Wilcox, tive Vice President Sushanth Krish-
Rep. Lucey Dathan, Dr. Thomas Ar- namurthy for his welcome remarks.
baham, Sushanth Krishnamurthy, Jo- Krishnamurthy in his welcome speech
seph Simon, Prasad Chintalapudi and emphasized GOPIO-CT’s mission is
Shelly Nichani GOPIO-CT Presenting Liberty Award to Joe Simon to help the Indian Diaspora commu-
Celebrations have already started nity and involving the community in
in the US cities to honor India for its congratulating GOPIO-CT for its ser- tional Indian attire, with melodious the local activities, including support-
78th, being organized by the 5 million vices and contributions to their cities. music from the popular Bollywood ing local charities.
strong Indian American community These citations were presented after world, dances depicting the wide vari- Indian Consul Pragya Singh who
GOPIO-CT had a highly successful the Indian flag hoisting by Consul ety of Indian culture, music, kite flying, is the Head of the Chancery at the
celebration on August 10th with flag Pragya Singh of the Indian Consulate spicy Indian cuisine, and booths dec- Indian Consulate was the honored
hoisting at the Stamford Government in the presence of Connecticut State orated with Indian symbols and face guest. In her address, she highlighted
Center and a ceremony with elected Senator Sujata Gadkar-Wilcox and art, the festivities were a treat to the the accomplishments and contribu-
Connecticut officials and dignitaries. Senator Bob Duff. fast-growing Indian American com- tions of the Diaspora. Consul Singh
The celebrations, with a colorful fes- A floating crowd of over 1,000 munity in the state of Connecticut and said, “I’m very proud to say that the
tival, then continued at the adjacent people attended the day-long pro- New York’s Westchester County. numbers prove that you have broken
Mill River Park in Stamford. gram on August 10th starting with The celebration had a combi- many barriers to become one of the
Stamford Mayor Caroline Sim- flag hoisting at 11.30 am followed by nation of everything that one would most successful immigrant groups in
moins and Norwalk Mayor Harry the India Festival and Kite flying at want, catering to the diverse needs of the US.”
Rilling issued proclamations in rec- the Mill River Park from 12 Noon the attendees ranging from toddlers Connecticut State Senators Suja-
ognition of India’s Independence and to 3.00 pm. Dressed in colorful tradi- to seniors. Over 12 performances by Continued on next page... >>

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