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    NORTH AMERICAN Newsline                                               AUGUST 07, 2026      |  The Indian Eye 14

             Connecticut Guv Ned Lamont Inaugurates

                  GOPIO Chamber of Commerce Chapter

            OUR BUREAU
            Hartford, CT

                  he GOPIO Chamber of Com-
                  merce and Industry (GCCI)
            Tofficially  inaugurated  its  Con-
            necticut Chapter in Hartford, marking
            a significant milestone in strengthen-
            ing  business, trade, and profession-
            al networking opportunities among
            members of the Indian diaspora in the
            state and beyond. The launch ceremo-
            ny was held at the Connecticut State
            Capitol’s Old Appropriations Room
            on July 30, 2026 and brought togeth-
            er community leaders, entrepreneurs,
            elected officials, and members of the
            Indian American community.
                The ceremony was inaugurated
            by Governor Ned Lamont with the
            traditional Indian lighting of the lamp,
            symbolizing  the  official  inauguration
            of the GCCI Connecticut Chapter.
            Gov. Lamont had earlier signed the
            Bill establishing the Connecticut-In-
            dia Trade Commission at a ceremony
            held in the State Capitol in Hartford.
                Reflecting  on  the  shared  values
            of the two nations, Governor Lamont   GCCI-Connecticut Chapter Inauguration by Governor Ned Lamont and   Consul General Binaya Srikanta Pradhan speaking at
            observed, “The relationship between
            India and the United States is much               Amb. Binaya S. Pradhan                        the GCCI-Connecticut Chapter launch
            more than commercial. We both fled
            colonialism to become the largest de-  jata Gadkar-Wilcox, who reflected on  complishments of the Indian diaspo-  have been a net contributor to Amer-
            mocracies on the planet Earth.” His  the remarkable journey and contribu-  ra around the world. He described  ican nation-building.” He further em-
            remarks highlighted the deep histor-  tions of Indian immigrants to Amer-  overseas Indians as one of the most  phasized the far-reaching influence of
            ical, cultural, and democratic bonds  ican society. Emphasizing the role of  successful and dynamic global com-  Indian Americans, stating, “We touch
            that connect the two countries and  immigrant communities in shaping  munities, not merely because of their  every aspect of American life, whether
            provided a broader context for the  the nation’s identity, she stated, “Not  economic achievements, but because  healthcare, hospitality, education, cul-
            launch of the new Chamber chapter.  only do Indians touch every part of the  of their contributions to the societies  ture, business, or innovation.”
                The newly inaugurated GCCI  United States in different sectors and  in which they live.               The Consul General also de-
            Connecticut Chapter joins a growing  throughout the world, but also that   “Wherever the Indian diaspora  scribed the diaspora as an essential
            network under GOPIO Internation-  they have come to the United States,  has  been,  one common thing is that  bridge between India and the rest of
            al’s vision of creating a global plat-  just like our previous immigrant com-  they are economically very success-  the world. “Today, the Indian diaspora
            form that connects entrepreneurs,  munities. They’ve become a fabric  ful,” Pradhan noted. “But another  acts as a bridge between India and the
            investors, startups, professionals, and  of the American story.” She further  common thing, of which I am even  international world,” he said, empha-
            business leaders of Indian origin. The  noted that organizations such as GO-  more proud, is their contribution to  sizing its role in promoting economic,
            Chamber aims to facilitate trade, in-  PIO play a critical role in expanding  the countries in which they live.” He  educational, technological, and cultur-
            vestment, innovation, entrepreneur-  the visibility of the Indian American  emphasized that Indian Americans  al cooperation across borders. Prais-
            ship, technology transfer, mentorship,  community and recognizing its many  have become an integral part of the  ing GOPIO’s longstanding service to
            and professional networking, while  achievements. “I’m so glad today that  American success story, making mean-  overseas Indians, Pradhan remarked,
            strengthening economic ties between  we’re able to not just look to our fu-  ingful contributions in  healthcare,  “When it comes to organizing such
            India and countries around the world.  ture, but talk about historically what  hospitality, education, technology, en-  initiatives, I must say  unhesitating-
            Through collaborative initiatives and  we also have,” she added, highlighting  trepreneurship, culture, and innovation.  ly that GOPIO comes right at the
            chapter-based engagement, GCCI  the importance of preserving and cel-   Highlighting the community’s role  top.” He concluded by extending his
            seeks to empower businesses of all  ebrating the community’s legacy while  in national development, Pradhan ob-  best wishes to the newly established
            sizes and provide opportunities for  building future opportunities.  served, “The Indian diaspora here has  Connecticut Chapter and expressed
            growth across industries.             Consul General of India in New  not only been part of the growth story  confidence  that  it  would  create  new
                Among the distinguished speak-  York, Binaya S. Pradhan, delivered  back home in India. They have been  opportunities for business growth and
            ers was Connecticut State Senator Su-  a powerful address praising the ac-  part of  the  growth  story  here.  They  India-US cooperation.

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