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NORTH AMERICAN Newsline FEBRUARY 06, 2026 | The Indian Eye 20

GOPIO-CT Launches 20th Anniversary

Celebrations and Marks India’s Republic Day

OUR BUREAU
Stamford, CT
he Connecticut Chapter of the
Global Organization of People
Tof Indian Origin (GOPIO-CT)
officially launched its 20th Anniver-
sary celebrations with a planning
meeting held on January 24, 2026,
followed by a special program com-
memorating India’s Republic Day.
During the meeting, members
outlined plans for a 20th Anniversary
Awards Banquet to be held in Spring
2026. GOPIO-CT, one of the most
active chapters among GOPIO’s
100-plus chapters worldwide, was
inaugurated on March 24, 2006, in
the presence of then U.S. Congress-
man Christopher Shays and A. R.
Ghanashyam, then Deputy Consul
General of India in New York.
Over the years, GOPIO-CT has GOPIO-CT Trustees, Executive Committee, and Board Members with Senator Dr. Sujata Gadkar-Wilcox and singer Srinivas Gunupuru, who were pre-
supported more than a dozen char- sented with commemorative First Day Covers issued by the U.S. Postal Service for the first GOPIO Convention in 1989. From l. to r.: Deepender Gupta,
itable organizations in Connecticut, Nandu Kuppuswamy, Past President Shailesh Naik, Jayashri Chintalapudi, Singer Gunupuru, Senator Dr. Gadkar-Wilcox, President Mahesh Jhangiani,
sponsored fundraising efforts for the
Bennett Cancer Center to assist can- Vice President Sonali Gannu, Dr. Thomas Abraham, Meera Banta, Manish Maheshwari, Secretary Mirat Joshi, Prasad Chintalapudi and Anita Mathur
cer patients and their families, and
regularly hosted soup kitchens at the tutional Law at Quinnipiac Universi-
New Covenant Center in Stamford. ty, who delivered a talk titled “India’s
A 20th Anniversary Celebration Constitution and Its Significance.”
Committee was formed, with Sec- “India’s Constitution is among
retary Mirat Joshi appointed as its the most remarkable in the world,”
Chairman. Senator Gadkar-Wilcox said. “It
Following the planning session, uniquely integrates civil and politi-
attendees observed India’s Republic cal rights with social and economic
Day with the playing of the Indian rights through Fundamental Rights
national anthem and a Republic Day and Directive Principles. Drafted
address by Dr. Thomas Abraham, under global scrutiny, its architects—
Chairman of GOPIO International. most notably Dr. B. R. Ambedkar—
Dr. Abraham reflected on India’s drew upon lived experiences while
democratic journey, noting that at thoughtfully incorporating elements
the time of independence in 1947 from other constitutional traditions,
and the adoption of the Constitution including those of the United States
in 1950, many doubted whether In- and Ireland.”
dia—grappling with poverty, illiter- She added that the Constituent
acy, and social divisions—could sus- Assembly Debates reflect the plu-
tain itself as a democratic republic. ralism and diversity of thought that
“India not only withstood those shaped the Constitution. Her pre-
challenges,” Dr. Abraham said, “but sentation was followed by a lively
emerged as the world’s largest func- and engaging question-and-answer Connecticut State Senator Prof. Sujata Gadkar-Wilcox addressing attendees at the GOPIO-CT
tioning democracy. India’s journey session.
over the past 76 years has been like The program concluded with Republic Day Celebration.
iron tested in fire—emerging stron- patriotic songs performed by vocalist
ger—and the nation will continue Srinivas Gunupuru. The event was and global engagement of people of tural, educational, and youth-fo-
to progress as a major player in the chaired by GOPIO-CT President Indian origin, GOPIO is a non-prof- cused programs; facilitating dialogue
global economy.” Mahesh Jhangiani, while Secretary it, non-partisan, and secular organi- with policymakers and thought lead-
Dr. Abraham then introduced Mirat Joshi delivered the closing re- zation. For more than two decades, ers; and collaborating with partner
Connecticut State Senator Dr. Sujata marks and vote of thanks. GOPIO-CT has remained a highly organizations to strengthen commu-
Gadkar-Wilcox, Professor of Consti- Founded to advance the interests active chapter, organizing civic, cul- nity engagement and public service.

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