Page 15 - The Indian EYE 071026

The Indian Eye
COMING TO AMERICA 15
JULY 10, 2026

ican community. These include the to my heart has been mentoring
Federation of Indian Associations young people. Whether helping
(FIA), which today organizes one of newly arrived students, encouraging
the world’s largest India Day Parades young professionals, creating net-
outside India; the National Feder- working opportunities, or promot-
ation of Indian American Associa- ing leadership development, I have
tions (NFIA); the Indian American always believed that investing in the
Kerala Cultural and Civic Center; next generation is among the most
the South Asian Council for Social meaningful ways to give back.
Services (SACSS); the National Indi- As both a scientist and communi-
an American Association for Senior ty leader, I have witnessed extraordi-
Citizens (NIAASC); and the Jagdish nary changes over the past fifty years.
Bhagwati Chair for Indian Political I arrived in America during the era
Economy at Columbia University. of mainframe computers, witnessed
Perhaps the most significant the personal computer revolution,
milestone came in 1989 when I the internet age, biotechnology, nan-
helped organize the First Glob- otechnology, artificial intelligence,
al Convention of People of Indian and today’s digital transformation.
Origin in New York. That historic Throughout these changes, one prin-
gathering led to the establishment of ciple has remained constant: Amer-
the Global Organization of People ica continues to reward innovation,
of Indian Origin (GOPIO), the first hard work, creativity, and persever-
worldwide organization representing ance.
the Indian diaspora. The success of Indian Ameri- cally successful communities in the but also to help create opportunities
Over the years, GOPIO has cans is not an accident. It reflects the United States, while remaining deep- for countless others.
grown into a global network with convergence of America’s openness ly committed to family, education, My story is only one among
chapters in numerous countries, pro- to talent and the strong education- philanthropy, and civic engagement. millions of immigrant journeys. Yet
moting community development, al foundation and work ethic that As the United States celebrates it reflects the enduring promise of
youth leadership, educational initia- many immigrants bring with them. its 250th anniversary, I look back with the American Dream—that talent
tives, women’s empowerment, entre- Together, these qualities have en- profound gratitude. America gave should matter more than birthplace,
preneurship, civil rights, humanitari- abled Indian Americans to make sig- a young engineering graduate from that opportunity should reward hard
an service, and stronger ties between nificant contributions in technology, India the opportunity to become a work, and that success finds its high-
India and the countries where peo- medicine, academia, business, public scientist, entrepreneur, author, tech- est purpose when it is used in service
ple of Indian origin have made their service, entrepreneurship, and gov- nology analyst, institution builder, of others.
homes. ernment. Today, they are among the and community leader. It allowed me That, to me, is the true meaning of
One initiative particularly close most highly educated and economi- not only to fulfill my own aspirations achieving the American Dream.

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