ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
GOPIO marks anniversary, Republic Day in Connecticut
The Republic Day observance included the Indian national anthem and an address by Dr. Thomas Abraham, chairman of GOPIO International.
-
1759953093.png)
Staff Reporter - Tue, 27, Jan 2026
- 00:22 EST
- 14
GOPIO-CT Trustees, Executive Committee, and Board Members with Senator Dr. Sujata Gadkar-Wilcox and singer Srinivas Gunupuru, who were presented 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, Nandu Kuppuswamy, Past President Shailesh Naik, Jayashri Chintalapudi, Singer Gunupuru, Senator Dr. Gadkar-Wilcox, President Mahesh Jhangiani, Vice President Sonali Gannu, Dr. Thomas Abraham, Meera Banta, Manish M / GOPIO
The Connecticut chapter of the Global Organization of People of Indian Origin marked its 20th anniversary planning and observed India’s Republic Day during a program held this weekend.
The chapter launched its anniversary activities at a planning meeting on Jan. 24, followed by a Republic Day program in Stamford. The organization said it will hold a 20th Anniversary Awards Banquet in Spring 2026.
GOPIO-CT was inaugurated March 24, 2006, in the presence of then U.S. Rep. Christopher Shays and A. R. Ghanashyam, who was deputy consul general of India in New York. The chapter is among more than 100 GOPIO chapters worldwide.
ALSO READ: Mary Millben sends melodious R-Day greetings
Organizers said the group has supported more than a dozen charitable organizations in Connecticut, sponsored fundraising for the Bennett Cancer Center, and hosted soup kitchens at the New Covenant Center in Stamford. A 20th Anniversary Celebration Committee was formed, with Secretary Mirat Joshi named chair.
Connecticut State Senator Prof. Sujata Gadkar-Wilcox addressing attendees at the GOPIO-CT Republic Day Celebration. / GOPIOThe Republic Day observance included the Indian national anthem and an address by Dr. Thomas Abraham, chairman of GOPIO International. He spoke about India’s democratic development since independence and the adoption of its Constitution.
“India not only withstood those challenges,” Abraham said, referring to doubts at independence, “but emerged as the world’s largest functioning democracy.” He added that the country’s progress over 76 years has strengthened its role in the global economy.
Abraham introduced Connecticut state Sen. Dr. Sujata Gadkar-Wilcox, a professor of constitutional law at Quinnipiac University, who spoke on ‘India’s Constitution and Its Significance.’
“India’s Constitution is among the most remarkable in the world,” Gadkar-Wilcox said, citing its integration of civil, political, social, and economic rights. She noted the role of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar and the influence of other constitutional traditions.
Her remarks were followed by a question-and-answer session. The program concluded with patriotic songs performed by vocalist Srinivas Gunupuru.
The event was chaired by GOPIO-CT President Mahesh Jhangiani. Joshi delivered the closing remarks.
Related
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
E Paper
Video
Comments
Start the conversation
Become a member of New India Abroad to start commenting.
Sign Up Now
Already have an account? Login