GOPIO-CT Joins Hands With Stamford City Govt. To Celedrate India Independence Day

Indians everywhere commemorate the country's independence from British rule, a long, non-violent struggle headed by Mahatma Gandhi, on August 15th. In Stamford, CT, Mayor David Martin hosted the 72nd Indian Independence celebration at the Stamford Government Center. The Connecticut Chapter of the Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO-CT) organized the event on Sunday, August 12th. Indian Consul Jaideep Chola, who is also the Head of Chancery, was the chief guest who delivered the Independence Day message emphasizing the importance of India's independence and its adoption of democracy.

“While your adopted land is the oldest and most powerful democracy in the world, India too has the distinction of having the largest democracy with diversities like religion, caste, creed, region and language and this day is celebrated by every Indian in all parts of India,” Said Chola.

Chola said that India in a short span achieved distinction of competing with the most powerful economies in the world and recently, India has overtaken France as the sixth largest economy in the world.

“We have seen a fascinating transformation that has taken place in India - U.S. relations in the last several decades with deepening of our relationship based on our shared values of democracy, universal human rights, tolerance and pluralism, equal opportunities for all citizens and rule of law, and our bilateral relations have now developed into a Global Strategic Partnership” Chola continued.

The U.S. has been our foremost partner, not only in trade and investment, but also in technology, knowledge and development.

The program began with the singing of a patriotic song, followed by a welcome address given by GOPIO-CT President Anita Bhat who gave an account of what GOPIO-CT is doing for the community and the local society. Program Coordinator Shelly Nichani introduced and thanked Mayor Martin for hosting the event. Mayor Martin spoke on the diversity of the City of Stamford and said it enriched the whole city.

Congressman Jim Himes compared the American Independence to India’s Independence, the difference being India got its independence by non-violent methods.

"By celebrating India Independence Day in America, we are celebrating the success of the democratic institutions of USA and India, the oldest democracy and largest democracy respectively," said Dr. Thomas Abraham, Founder and Chairman of GOPIO International.

Dr. Abraham introduced GOPIO community service awardees Leena Ramchandani and Mangala Dongre. Recognitions were also presented to High Schools graduates.

Independence Day messages were also delivered by Republican Congressional candidate for CT’s 4th District Harry Arora and candidate for Democratic Treasurer primary Dita Bhargava.

Cultural program included dances by "Chak de! India" directed by Shital Pathak; song “One Indian Mashup” performed by Aadhya Tejaswim, Harshit Rajshekar and Siri Nagannavar; Jayashree group performing Vande Mataram and a mix of kathak, Bollywood and Indi pop; Namita Vadhera’s group performing a group classical dance; two dances by Malayali Association of Southern CT directed by Neha Shah including a Bollywood dance on the song Kaala Chashma by Sarika & Ahana and a Bharata Natyam by Lakshmi Nair and Anushree Unni. A Guyanese group performed Green Saree Sisters presented by Ashvini Persaud in which she presented sarees from Gujarat, Equador, Kerala and West Indies, telling the history pf travel from India to "The New Worlds" with a love for Mother earth.

Following all the messages, everyone moved out to the flag poles to raise American flag, Indian flag and Connecticut flag.

The whole celebration was sponsored by and cultural program was coordinated by Beena Ramachandran and Ramya Subramanian.

Over the last 12 years, GOPIO-CT, a chapter of GOPIO International has become an active and dynamic organization hosting interactive sessions with policy makers and academicians, community events, youth mentoring and networking workshops, and working with other area organizations to help create a better future. GOPIO-CT – Global Organization of People of Indian Origin – serves as a non-partisan, secular, civic and community service organization – promoting awareness of Indian culture, customs and contributions of PIOs through community programs, forums, events and youth activities. It seeks to strengthen partnerships and create an ongoing dialogue with local communities. For more details, please visit: www.gopio-ct.org

GOPIO-CT Independence Day Celebration with dignitaries –US. Congressman Jim Himes speaking at the celebration. From l. to r.: GOPIO Chairman Dr. Thomas Abraham, First County Bank Vice President Nino Antonelli, Indian Consul Jaideep Chola, Stamford Mayor David Martin, GOPIO-CT President Anita Bhat, Program MC Ramya Subramanian and Rep, Himes.

GOPIO-CT officials and dignitaries along high school graduate and community service awardee at the India Independence Day Celebration at Stamford Govt. Center on August 12th. Standing from l. to r. GOPIO Founder and Chairman Dr. Thomas Abraham. Beena Ramachandran, Ramya Subramanian, GOPIO-CT President Anita Bhat, Consul Jaideep Chola, Congressman Jim Himes, Leena Ramchandani, Celebration Coordinator Shelly Nichani, Mayor David Martin and Harry Arora. Sitting on the right is GOPIO-Secretary Prasad Chintalapudi.