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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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