Page 16 - The Indian EYE 082225

The Indian Eye
NORTH AMERICAN Newsline AUGUST 22, 2025 16

High School graduates and other studetns being recognized Miss Connecticut Cayla Kumar is honored

ta Gadkar-Wilcox (Senate 23rd Distrct (Bridgeport/
Trumbull/Monroe) and Bob Duff (Senate 25th Dis-
trict Norwalk/Darien) and Representative Lucy
Dathan (142nd District New Canaan/Norwalk) pre-
sented the Citation from the Connecticut Assembly
recognizing India’s 78th and complimented the
work of GOPIO-CT. All the elected officials who
spoke at the event acknowledged India’s success as
the world’s most populous and largest democracy.
GOPIO Chairman Dr. Thomas Abraham, who
also serves as Advisor/Trustee to GOPIO-CT, in his
remarks said, “India made progress under a demo-
cratic rule in the 78 years, I emphasize democratic
rule, in all the eight decades and now moving for-
ward to become the Third Largest economy in the
world in this decade. As we celebrate 78th anniver-
sary of India’s Independence, let us rededicate our-
selves to the cause of democracy, freedom, justice,
and peace not only in India but all over the world.”
“While India was building up in the last 8 de-
cades, India had also sent large number of its bright-
est to America who have made substantial contri-
butions in building up the economy of America and
our contributions are noted very well in corporate
America, healthcare, hospitality, and in science, en-
gineering and technology as well as in political are- Performers at the India Day Festival
na,” Abraham added. He then introduced all the
dignitaries for their felicitations. Project, which supports pediatric cancer advocacy, The commemoration of India’s 78th Indepen-
Senator Gadkar-Wilcox, the first Indian Amer- will compete at the Miss America pageant in Or- dence Day by GOPIO-CT was a grand success
ican Senator in Connecticut recounted her parents’ lando in September. marked by a growing attendance through the day and
journey as immigrants to New York City where she GOPIO-CT also honored all high school grad- a visually and audibly grand celebration of India’s
was born. A Professor of Legal Studies at Quinnip- uates from lower Fairfield County schools. The culture, democracy, and the strong bonds between
iac University, she was a Fulbright-Nehru scholar chapter also recognized Aarav Pandey, a 6th Grad- India and the United States. While reveling in India’s
studying constitutional values in India. She also er at Scofield Magnet School in Stamford for his Independence, this event highlighted the enduring
spoke about her grandparents’ involvement in In- achievement as first prize winner of the Connecti- contributions, inclusivity, the pride and the positive
dia’s freedom movement. cut State Level Writing Competition. His winner energy shared by the Indian American community.
An award and several recognitions were also writing topic was “Arav’s Dream Bog – Fear Not Over the last 20 years, GOPIO-CT, a chapter
presented at this milestone event. Mr. Joseph Si- Today.” of GOPIO International has become an active and
mon, an active contributing member and Trustee of GOPIO-CT Trustee Prasad Chintalapudi con- dynamic organization hosting interactive sessions
GOPIO-CT, was honored with India Independence cluded the ceremony gave the vote of thanks. GO- with policy makers and academicians, communi-
Liberty Award for community service and philan- PIO-CT Board Member Mirat Joshi served as the ty events, youth mentoring and networking work-
thropy. Simon who is a technology professional master of ceremony for the cultural program. shops, and working with other area organizations
focused on the media sector has contributed to a The ceremony was followed by an Indian Fes- to help create a better future. GOPIO-CT – Global
variety of charitable organizations including as a tival with colorful Folk and Classical Dances of In- Organization of People of Indian Origin – serves
board member, disbursement panelist and trustee dia, Music, and Bollywood Dances and were a treat as a non-partisan, secular, civic and community ser-
for GOPIO-CT, Asha for education - NYC and the for everyone to cherish. There were vendors, who vice organization – promoting awareness of Indian
Community Fund of Darien. displayed and sold Indian cuisine, Indian arts and culture, customs and contributions of people of In-
The newly selected winner of Miss Connecti- crafts, Indian clothing, and other items. Free Car- dian origin through community programs, forums,
cut Cayla Kumar was honored at the event. Kumar, ousel rides were provided for young children. Over events and youth activities. It seeks to strengthen
a Quinnipiac graduate and aspiring pediatric oncol- 50 performers presented their colorful dances and partnerships and create an ongoing dialogue with
ogist, champions her nonprofit, The Goal Driven other cultural programs. local communities.

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