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Connecticut honors India’s democratic journey with official citation
The citation was presented to Indian Consul Pragya Singh during the Aug. 10 cultural celebration organized by GOPIO-CT.
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Staff Reporter - Thu, 14, Aug 2025
- 17:22 EDT
- 19
Connecticut State Assembly Citation honoring India being presented to Indian Consul Pragya Singh. From l. to r. Srinivas Akarapu, Jaya Daptardar, Sonali Gannu, Zullurwar, CT Senator Bob Duff, Consul Pragya Singh, Senator Sujata Gadkar-Wilcox, Rep. Lucey Dathan, Dr. Thomas Arbaham, Sushanth Krishnamurthy, Joseph Simon, Prasad Chintalapudi and Shelly Nichani / Courtesy - GOPIO International
The Connecticut General Assembly issued an official citation to honor India’s democratic journey ahead of the country’s 79th independence day.
The citation initiated by State Rep. Matt Blumenthal and Senator Sujata Gadkar-Wilcox was supported by 13 other lawmakers. Signed by Senate President Pro Tempore Martin M. Looney, House Speaker Matt Ritter, and Secretary of State Stephanie Thomas, it lauded India’s democratic progress, the achievements of Indian Americans, and GOPIO-CT’s charitable initiatives.
The honor was presented to Indian Consul Pragya Singh during the Aug. 10 cultural celebration organized by the Connecticut Chapter of the Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO-CT), which began with a ceremonial flag hoisting at the Stamford Government Center.
Stamford Mayor Caroline Simmons and Norwalk Mayor Harry Rilling also issued proclamations recognizing India’s Independence and GOPIO-CT’s role in fostering cultural ties.
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(Photo bottom right): Proclamations being presented, (From L-R) Senator Sujata Gadkar-Wilcox, GOPIO-CT Exec. VP Sushanth Krishnamurthy, GOPIO chairman Thomas Abraham, Stamford Mayor Caroline Simmons, Norwalk Mayor Harry Rilling, Indian Consul Pragya Singh, GOPIO-CT Treasurer Srinivasa Alkarapu, India Day Program Chair Sonali Gannu Zullurwar, CT Senator Bob Duff and GOPIO-CT Board Member Ravi Nichani / Courtesy - GOPIO InternationalOver 1,000 people attended the extended festivities at Stamford's Mill River Park, which showcased the vibrant cultural diversity of India. More than 50 performers showcased traditional folk and classical dances, Bollywood numbers, and live music. Visitors also enjoyed kite flying, Indian cuisine, and stalls offering arts, crafts, and clothing.
India Festival with colorful dances / Courtesy - GOPIO International
Reflecting on the occasion, GOPIO chairman Thomas Abraham noted, “While India was building up in the last 8 decades, India had also sent large number of its brightest to America who have made substantial contributions in building up the economy of America and our contributions are noted very well in corporate America, healthcare, hospitality, and in science, engineering and technology as well as in political arena.”
Senator Gadkar-Wilcox, the first Indian American Senator in Connecticut recounted her parents’ journey as immigrants to New York City where she was born. A Professor of Legal Studies at Quinnipiac University, she was a Fulbright-Nehru scholar studying constitutional values in India. She also spoke about her grandparents’ involvement in India’s freedom movement.
Several community members received special recognition. Joseph Simon earned the India Independence Liberty Award for community service and philanthropy. Simon, a technology professional focused on the media sector has contributed to a variety of charitable organizations including as a board member, disbursement panelist and trustee for GOPIO-CT, Asha for education - NYC and the Community Fund of Darien.
Miss Connecticut Cayla Kumar, a Quinnipiac graduate and pediatric cancer advocate, was honored ahead of her Miss America pageant appearance. Local high school graduates and Aarav Pandey, a sixth grader who won the Connecticut State Level Writing Competition, were also recognized.
GOPIO-CT presenting Liberty Award to Joseph Simon for community /service and philanthropy. (From L-R) Thomas Abraham, Senator Bob Duff, Sonali Gannu Zullurwar, Jaya Daptardar, Indian Consul Pragya Singh, award recipient Joseph Simom, Senator Sujata Gadkar-Wilcox, Rep. Lucey Dathan and Sushanth Krishnamurthy / Courtesy - GOPIO International
Graduating high school students and other students/volunteers being recognized with a certificate and Amazon gift card. / Courtesy - GOPIO International
GOPIO-CT honors Miss Connecticut Cayla Kumar (in the center) with GOPIO officials and Connecticut lawmakers. / Courtesy - GOPIO InternationalOrganizers hailed the event as a resounding success, underscoring the enduring ties between India and the United States and the vital role of Indian Americans in Connecticut’s civic and cultural life.
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