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NORTH AMERICAN Newsline NOVEMBER 29, 2024 | The Indian Eye 21

Stamford Public Library, GOPIO-CT and Stamford

Mayor’s Multicultural Council Celebrate Diwali

OUR BUREAU
Stamford, CT
n October 31st, 2024, people
of Indian descent worldwide
Ocelebrated Diwali, the auspi-
cious festival symbolizing the triumph
of good over evil, light over darkness,
and wisdom over ignorance. Diwali
is becoming a mainstream event all
over America and across the world.
Diwali was celebrated at the White retary of Stamford Mayor’s Multicul- learning. Participants mingled with chapter which include a seminar on
House, at the Capitol Hill, Gover- tural Council. This is the fourth year each other building cherished mem- December 13th – an informational
nors, Mayors and County officials. that the Library and GOPIO-CT ories and a sense of belonging that lit session on tax and financial planning
Several state governors declared the have partnered to organize Diwali at up the faces and hearts of everyone due to government changes and on
day as state holiday. New York City the library. present. All speakers in the begin- December 24th - Session for high
observed Diwali as a public-school The event celebrated the warmth ning highlighted the importance of school students (juniors and seniors)
holiday. Indian Diaspora groups have and unity of the community. Attend- raising awareness of Indian culture to meet up with young adults who
been celebrating the event from Oc- ees gathered to experience lively and through events like these - Ana Gal- have just graduated from college and
tober to November. colorful performances, from dances legos, Carmen Hughes, Shobhna young professional to learn how to
GOPIO chapters have been to Hinduism myth-busters. It show- Bhatnagar, Meera Banta and Sonal prepare for their next step(s) ahead.
promoting the Diwali celebration at cased fifteen captivating performanc- Patel represented the Stamford May- Over the last 19 years, GO-
city, county and state levels as well es with a wide variety of local dance or’s multicultural council team. PIO-CT, a chapter of GOPIO In-
as through public institutions such schools and Hindu organizations. As The program was coordinated by ternational has become an active
as public libraries. Extending the if it couldn’t get any better, a Mehen- GOPIO-CT Board Member Sonali and dynamic organization hosting
festivities to November, the Con- di booth was set up, inviting guests to Gannu along with Yashaswi Jhang- interactive sessions with policy mak-
necticut Chapter of the Global Orga- embrace the beauty and artistry of iani and the MC was Mirat Joshi ers and academicians, community
nization of People of Indian Origin traditional Indian designs. who introduced all the groups and events, youth mentoring and net-
(GOPIO-CT) and Stamford May- About 75 children performed kept the guests engaged with spirits working workshops, and working
or’s Multicultural Council celebrat- Indian classical, folk and Bollywood high. He also introduced GOPIO with other area organizations to help
ed Diwali, the Festival of Lights, on dances. The event brought a festive as a non-profit non-partisan organi- create a better future. GOPIO-CT
Sunday, Nov. 17th, 2024, at the Stam- atmosphere with a lot of Diwali dec- zation and acknowledged its other – Global Organization of People of
ford’s Ferguson Library. orations in the library. Many from officials present, GOPIO Chairman Indian Origin – serves as a non-par-
The program started with a wel- the American community participat- Dr. Thomas Abraham, GOPIO-CT tisan, secular, civic and community
come by GOPIO-CT Executive Vice ed in the celebration. Immediate Past President Ashok service organization – promoting
President Mahesh Jhangiani who re- After the performances, every- Nichani and Board Members Meera awareness of Indian culture, customs
iterated GOPIO’s mission of foster- one gathered to enjoy a variety of Banta, Totty Narang and Anita and contributions of people of Indian
ing cultural exchange and ideas with- delicious Indian dishes including Mathur. origin through community programs,
in the community. This was followed crispy samosas, keeping the buzz of GOPIO Executive VP Mahesh forums, events and youth activities. It
by the Library’s ELL, Citizenship & excitement alive as they shared food Jhangiani concluded the program seeks to strengthen partnerships and
Cultural Programs Manager Yelena and laughter. The afternoon was in- thanking everyone and announc- create an ongoing dialogue with local
Klompus and Ms. Ana Gallegos, Sec- terspersed with music, dance, and ing the upcoming programs of the communities.

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