Philanthropist and Community Leader Joseph Simoin to be Honored with Liberty Award

GOPIO-CT is one of the most active chapters of the Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO International) with 100 chapters worldwide in 35 countries. India got its independence from the British in 1947. To mark the 78th Anniversary of India’s independence, the GOPIO’s Connecticut chapter (GOPIO-CT) has joined hands with Stamford City and Mill River Park Collaborative to host India Festival in Stamford to commemorate Indian Independence, when the then Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru raised the Indian flag at the Red Fort in New Delhi on August 15, 1947.

“The Indian American community has done very well in Corporate America and in political arena too. In Connecticut, it is a growing community consisting generally IT and management professionals, healthcare workers and a large number of entrepreneurs in hospitality, Hedge Fund and small businesses,” said Dr. Thomas Abraham, Chairman of GOPIO International and Trustee/Advisor to GOPIO-CT.

Everyone is invited to this celebration which will start with hoisting American, Indian and Connecticut flags at the Stamford Government Center on Sunday, August 10th at 11.30 a.m. Following the flag hoisting, at 12.00 Noon, there is an official ceremony to celebrate Indian Independence Day at the adjacent Mill River Park Carousel Hall (corner Broad St. and Mill River St., Stamford). India’s Consul General in New York Hon. Binaya Srikanta Pradhan will be the Chief Guest. Guests of Honor are Stamford Mayor Caroline Simmons, Norwalk Mayor Harry Rilling, Connecticut State Majority Leader Bob Duff (Senate 25th District, Norwalk/Darien) and Senate Deputy Majority Leader Sujata Gadkar-Wilcox (Senate 23rd District, Bridgeport/Trumbull/Monroe) and State Representatives Hector Arzeno (151th District, Greenwich). and Rep. Hubert Delany (144th District, (144th District, Stamford).

Distinguished Chief Guest and Guests of Honor at the event: Indian Consul General in New York,Ambassador Binaya Srikanta Pradhan, Stamford Mayor Caroline Simmons, Norwalk Mayor Harry Rilling, CT Senate,Majority Leader Bob Duff, Deputy Majority Leader Sujata,Gadkar-Wilcox, State Representatives Hector Arzeno and Rep. Hubert Delany

After the ceremony, starting at 1 p.m., the Mill River Park will witness Kite flying and an India Festival with colorful Folk and Classical Dances of India, Music and Bollywood Dances. There will be vendors for Indian food, Indian arts and crafts, Indian clothing and other items. Admission is FREE for both events. Free limited Carousel rides will be provided for small children. One can bring own kite. Limited number of kites will be available free.

Darien resident Mr. Joseph Simon will be honored with the 2025 Indian Independence Liberty Award. Simon (Darien, CT) is a technology professional focused on the media sector and has held senior roles at both US and European companies. He 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. Joseph has been a founder of the Stamford Cricket Club Mad Dogs and is still involved in running it. He's also the Chairman of a social impact company - FIA Global, based out of Gurgaon, India.

The celebration is hosted by Mill River Park Collaborative and the sponsors are First County Bank, Hampton Inn and Suites, Stamford Mortgages, Keller William Prestige Properties Associate Sonali Zullurwar. The main organizers are GOPIO-CT President and the program is chaired by GOPIO-CT Secretary Sonali GannuSushanth Krishnamurthy and Co-Chaired by Board Sonali Gannu.

At the ceremony, GOPIO-CT will recognize all 2025 high school graduates. with a certificate and Amazon gift card. If you know any 2025 high school graduate from Connecticut School Systems, please provide their details to Mahesh Jhangiani at maheshmj@hotmail.com.

Over the last 19 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 people of Indian origin through community programs, forums, events and youth activities. It seeks to strengthen partnerships and create an ongoing dialogue with local communities.

Connecticut Officials Coming Together to celebrate India’s 78th Anniversary with Flag Hoisting and India Festival in Stamford on Sunday Aug. 10th