Page 24 - The Indian EYE 052926

NORTH AMERICAN Newsline MAY 29, 2026 | The Indian Eye 24

A new GOPIO-Manhattan

Team is Sworn-In

OUR BUREAU
New York, NY

he Manhattan Chapter of the Global Orga-
nization of People of Indian Origin (GO-
TPIO-Manhattan), established in 2020 during
the COVID-19 pandemic, successfully conducted
elections for its Executive Committee and Board of
Trustees and formally inducted its new leadership
team on Sunday, May 17, 2026.
The oath-taking ceremony was held at the
Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan in Manhattan in the pres-
ence of members, supporters, community leaders,
dignitaries, and well-wishers, reflecting a strong
spirit of unity, leadership, and commitment to
community service.
The event was attended by GOPIO Interna-
tional leadership, including Chairman Dr. Thomas
Abraham, President Prakash Shah, and General
Secretary Siddarth Jain, who extended their greet-
ings and support to the newly elected team.
President-Elect Prof. Rajasekhar Vangapa-
ty warmly welcomed the audience and shared his
vision of collaborative and inclusive leadership for
the chapter. He then invited Dr. Thomas Abraham, Speakers at the Oath Ceremony for New Officers of GOPIO-Manhattan (from left to right): Dr. Thomas Abraham, Prakash Shah,
Chair of the Election Committee, to speak about Prof. Rajasekhar Vangapaty and Vichal Kumar
GOPIO’s history, mission, and contributions to the
global Indian diaspora community.
Dr. Abraham shared valuable insights into
GOPIO’s journey, accomplishments, and contin-
ued efforts in connecting and empowering the In-
dian diaspora worldwide. He then invited GOPIO
International President Prakash Shah, who spoke
about upcoming GOPIO programs, including the
GOPIO Convention in Mumbai. President Shah
then administered the oath of office to the newly
elected Executive Committee, Board of Trustees,
and Board Members of GOPIO-Manhattan for
the 2026–2027 term.
New York Democratic Congressional Primary
candidate Vichal Kumar also addressed the gathering,
congratulating the new leadership team and empha- GOPIO-Manhattan Officials, Members and Supporters at the Oath Ceremony
sizing the importance of greater community partici-
pation in civic engagement and the political process. his sincere gratitude to the Election Committee— commending GOPIO-Manhattan’s continued ef-
The newly elected Executive Committee is Dr. Thomas Abraham (Chair), Shivender Sofat, forts in community service, cultural engagement,
headed by Prof. Rajasekhar Vangapaty as Presi- and Mukund Mehta—for conducting a smooth and leadership development.
dent. His team members are: Executive Vice Pres- and successful election process. He also congratu- The ceremony concluded on a positive and in-
ident – Bhavya Gupta, Vice President – Dr. Vimal lated all newly elected members for accepting their spiring note, with members expressing enthusiasm
Goyle, Secretary – Raj Punjabi, Treasurer – Braj responsibilities and reaffirmed his commitment to and dedication to working together toward mean-
Aggarwal, Joint Secretary – Gagan Gujral serving GOPIO-Manhattan and the broader com- ingful community service and impactful programs
The new Trustees are: Shivender Sofat, Dr. munity. in the coming year. Guests enjoyed refreshments,
Thomas Abraham, Mukund Mehta, Siddarth Jain, Prof. Vangapaty invited several distinguished tea, and coffee, providing an opportunity for net-
Anil Narang and Neha Motwani. attendees to offer felicitations during the cere- working and fellowship.
Appointed Board Members are Dr. Lisa mony, including GOPIO-Manhattan’s First and Prof. Rajasekhar Vangapaty expressed spe-
George, Dr. Arnab Ghosh, Manoj Jareth Asig and Immediate Past President Shivender Sofat (via cial thanks to Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan Executive
Jasvir Ubhi. telephone), GOPIO Life Member Mrudul Pathak, Director Minesh Patel and the entire Board of
Following the oath-taking ceremony, newly and Congressional Primary candidate Vichal Ku- Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan for graciously providing
sworn-in President Prof. Rajasekhar Vangapaty mar. They conveyed their congratulations, appre- the venue and facilities for GOPIO-Manhattan’s
welcomed the new leadership team and expressed ciation, and best wishes to the new leadership team, networking and oath-taking ceremony.

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