GOPIO NEWS

February 3, 2013

A Publication of the Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO)

The convention, which was attended by delegates from 30 countries, explored challenges and opportunities before the Diaspora, reviewed their past, present and future and reviewed the economic progress and the celebrated centenary of India's freedom movement initiated by the Diaspora. The 24^th convention of GOPIO passed ten resolutions and one expressed serious concern over the growing tendency among people, especially the relatives of overseas Indians, to grab their ancestral property.

The resolution adopted at the end of the two-day convention said that the share of the People of Indian Origin (PIOs) and Non-resident Indians (NRIs) in their ancestral properties was being grabbed by relatives in connivance with local authorities and unscrupulous elements.

The resolution also noted that the women living overseas were also being denied a fair share of their parental property by manipulating the distribution process. The resolution urged the Government of India to set up fast track courts exclusively to settle property-related matters pertaining to PIOs and NRIs.

Another resolution demanded a fast track system to clear other cases involving PIOs and NRIs pending in courts in the state. The resolution noted that the corrupt system was not allowing expeditious resolution of the cases.

The convention also passed eight other resolutions. One is related to the limit imposed on the gold NRIs can carry with them when they visit the country. The current rules allow gold jewelry worth Rs.10, 000 for men and Rs.20, 000 for women.

"This means that the allowance is only three grams of gold for man and six grams for a lady. So we are not allowed to even wear a ring. We resolve to bring this issue to the attention of appropriate authority to quash this thoughtless policy. If a limit must be put, it should be at least 25 grams for a man and 50 grams for a lady", the resolution added.

The convention started with a GOPIO Executive Meeting Jan. 5^th at the Presidency Hotel chaired by GOPIO president Ashook Ramsaran and attended by: Chairman Inder Singh, Sunny Kulathakal (Executive Vice President); Munish Gupta (International Coordinator, Africa); Umesh Chandra (International Coordinator, Oceania); Dr. Sai Giridhar (International Coordinator, Middle East); Dr Arnold Thomas (International Coordinator, Caribbean; and Dr Thomas Abraham (Executive Trustee of , GOPIO Foundation). An interactive session on Regional & Country Reports followed the Executive committee meeting.

Regional & Country Reports session was chaired by GOPIO chairman Inder Singh.  Reports were presented by: Markandey Rai (Kenya); Dr Ramesh Caussey on behalf of Ved Prakash Goojha (GOPIO France); Deo Gosine - Trinidad & Tobago; Dr. Arnold Thomas - Caribbean; Munish Gupta - Africa; Dr. Sai Giridhar - Middle East; Umesh Chandra - Oceania (Fiji, Australia, N. Zealand); report by  Dr Piyush Agrawal - North America; Pradeep Kapoor - New Zealand; Mrs. Lucky Singh - Australia; Dr. Prabhu Kulkarni - Ireland; Mr. Radha Krishnan - Indian Organizations in the USA; K. N. Gupta - Liaison with Government of India; Harbachan Singh -  Liaison to United Nations. In addition, Council reports were presented by Suman Kapoor (Women's Council); Issac John (Media Council); and Dr Ramesh Caussey (Science & Technology Council).

Executive Vice President and Convener of Convention 2013 discussed the publication of "24 Incredible Years" to be distributed at GOPIO and PBD events in Kochi. Earlier on Jan. 4th, GOPIO officials had a press conference at the Kochi Press  Club.

The inaugural session

The main convention was held on Jan. 6^th at the Crowne Plaza Hotel on Jan. 6^th morning. The inaugural session was graced with the participation of Former Gov. M. M. Jacob (former Governor of Meghalaya& Arunachal Pradesh, India) as chief guest. Gov. Jacon has been advisor to GOPIO since its inception in 1989. Welcome remarks were made by: Sunny Kulathakal (Executive Vice Pres, GOPIO Int'l, Bangalore); P. C. Cyriac (President of GOPIO Chapter, Kochi, India);   Inder Singh (Chairman GOPIO Int'l, USA); Ashook Ramsaran, (President, GOPIO Int'l, USA), followed by Inaugural Remarks by Former Gov. M. M. Jacob.  Newly published EDGE OF THE CLIFF by Anand Mullo (Historian, Mauritius) was released and Suman Kapoor (Chair, GOPIO's Women's Council, New Zealand) concluded with a note of thanks.

Delivering a keynote address at the inaugural session, former Meghalaya and Arunachal Pradesh Governor M. M. Jacob called for expanding the activities of the GOPIO.

Session I: Diaspora Issues: Challenges & Opportunities

Chaired by Sunny Kulathakal (Executive Vice Pres, GOPIO Int'l, Bangalore) and co-chaired by Ms. Lucky Singh (President, GOPIO Chapter Sydney, Australia). Speakers included:  Prof. Chandrashakar Bhat (Frm Dir of Diaspora Studies, Hyderabad, India); Umesh Chandra (Int'l Coordinator, Oceania, Australia); Dr. Arnold Thomas (Int'l Coordinator, Caribbean, St. Vincent); the Q/A session was chaired by Radha Krishnan (National Director, Liaison to US Indian Organizations and thanks was provided by Jaswant Mody (Associate Secretary, GOPIO Int'l, USA).

Photo above: Speakers and panelists at the session Diaspora Issues. From l-r: Inder Singh, Prof. Chandershekar Bhat, Radha Krishnan, Ashook Ramsaran, Jaswant Mody, Sarat Maharaj, Umesh Chandra, Dr. Arnold Thomas, Lucky Singh

Session II: Freedom Movements in the Diaspora - Gadar & Others

Chaired by Inder Singh (Chairman GOPIO Int'l, USA and co-chaired by Dr. Neerja Arun (GOPIO Academic Council Co-Chair, and Coordinator-cum-Director, Gujarat Univ. International Program, Ahmedabad, India). The lead speaker was Prof. Harish Puri (Researcher, Historian and Author of Books on Gadar Movement, India). Other speakers: Dr Savitri Sawhney (Daughter of Gadar Hero Khankhoje, Author,  India);  Manpreet Kaur Singh (Author, Journalist, Australia); Dr. Teresa Wycliffe (Community Leader, GOPIO Metro DC, USA). The session was concluded by Harbachan Singh (Director, Liaison to United Nations, USA).  

There followed the release of the proceedings of a conference organized Gujarat University and GOPIO in January 2012, INDIAN DIASPORA DISCOURSE, edited by Dr. Neerja Arun of Gujarat University.

Luncheon Speaker 

The guest speaker at the lunch session was Ashok Rao (Chair, TiE Global, USA), introduced by Kurian Abraham (GOPIO Chapter, Kochi, India), with a note of thanks by Issac John Pataniparambil (Chair, GOPIO Media Council, Dubai). Rao gave a historic account of the Diaspora in the past and how it is shaping now and what he see the composition of the Diaspora in the future.

Session III: Economic Progress in the Diaspora: Making an Impact in Global Investments

This session was chaired by Dr Thomas Abraham (Exec. Trustee, GOPIO Foundation & GOPIO Founding President, USA). Speakers were Shri K. Mohandas (Former Sec of MOIA & Shipping, India);  George Abraham (Chair, GOPIO Business Council), T. Ramappa, Secretary, GOPIO-Bangalore and Chamber of Commerce. Prasad Yarlaggada (GOPIO of Australia Chapter) coordinated the Q/A session with conclusion by Arvind Sood (President, GOPIO-Edison, New Jersey, USA) and note of thanks by Deo Gosine (Co-Chair, GOPIO Business Council, Trinidad). Mr. Mohandas spoke extensively on Indian Diaspora's economic contribution in different regions of the world. 

A book on Malayali Diaspora edited by Sam George and T.V. Thomas was released by former Secretary Mohandas. 

 Photo above: Former MOIA Secretary K. Mohandas releasing the book on Malayali Diaspora by Sam George after the panel on Economic Progess in the Diaspora. From l. to r. T. Ramappa, George Abraham, Sunny Kulathakal, Dr. thomas Abraham, K. Mohandas, Sa, Geroge, Deo Gosine,Prasad Yarlaggada and Ambassador R. Dayakar. 

Session IV: Economic Progress in the Diaspora: Investment in India; Creating India-Diaspora Science, Technology & Innovation Knowledge Network

This session was chaired by Munish Gupta (Int'l Coordinator, Africa, India/USA) and co-chaired by Dr. Ramesh Caussy (Chair, GOPIO Science & Tech. Council, France). Speakers included: J. Alexander (former Karnataka Tourism Minister, India); Deepak Sharma (Kotak Mahindra Bank, India); Nirankar Saxena (Senior Director, FICCI, India); Sujata Sudarshan (Director, CII & CEO of OIFC, India). A special speaker was Paresh Rughani. a motivational speaker (GOPIO Chapter of London, UK). The session was concluded by Dr. Markandey Rai (GOPIO of Kenya, Africa) and thanks by Harish Srivastava (Senior Consultant, Rockland Hospitals Group, Delhi/Agra).

Women Power at the GOPIO Convention - Women delegates at the GOPIO convention took an opportunity to show their solidarity with Indian women demonstrating atrocities towards women and girls in India, particularly the recent rapes in India. It was coordinated by GOPIO Women Council Chair Suman Kapoor along with GOPIO-Sydney North West President Lucky Singh.

 Photo above: Women Power at GOPIO Convention 2013 - Women Delegates Demonstrating on Atrocities to Indian Women at GOPIO Conv. 2013

The conference conclusion and wrap-up was done by Ashook Ramsaran, (President, GOPIO Int'l, USA) who provided a brief summary of the various conference sessions and significance to the global Indian Diaspora interests and concerns. Note of thanks was done by Netram Rambudhan (Treasurer, GOPIO Int'l, USA).

Resolutions passed- GOPIO Convention passed ten resolutions pertaining to the interest of the Indian Diaspora and India.

The GOPIO CSA banquet later that evening was a very prominent, high profile, well attended and publicized event with chief guest Governor H. R. Bhardwaj currently Governor of Karnataka and Kerala; MOIA Minister Vayalar Ravi as Guest of Honor; and other guests including Kerala Chief Oommen Chandy, Kerala NRI Minister K.C. Joseph; former Governor M. M. Jacob; and Lord Bhikhu Parekh from the House of Lords, UK.

The capacity crowd witnessed GOPIO's recognition of 6 persons for outstanding community service; 3 for special recognition and 1 posthumously for outstanding community service. In addition, special GOPIO Gadar shawls were presented to descendant of Gadar heroes.

GOPIO Community Service Awards were accorded to:

• Murray Bullock (St Vincent & Grenadines)
• George Subraj (Guyana-USA)
• Dr Anil Mehta (Netherlands)
• Vasu Chanchlani (Canada)
• Ishwar Ramlutchman (South Africa)
• Sunny Augustine (Dubai)

Special Recognition was given to:

• Dr A. Didar Singh (India)
• Manpreet Kaur Singh (Australia)
• Ashok Rao (USA)

Photo above: GOPIO CSA Award Recipients with GOPIO Officials and Dignitaries, Top Row: l. to r. GOPIO Kochi Secretary Jose thomas, Ashook Ramsaran, Inder Singh, P C Cyriac, Sunny Kulathakal, Governor H. R. Bhardwaj, MOIA Minister Vayalar Ravi, Kerala NRI Minister K.C. Joseph; Bottomp RowSome of the Awardees: l. to r.-  George Subraj, Murray Bullock, Vasu Chanchlani, Dr Anil Mehta, Ashok Deo, Manpreet Kaur Singh

Posthumous recognition for outstanding community service was given to Dr. Awtar Singh, received by nephew Sherri Chhabra.

TEN RESOLUTIONS PASSED

The session on GOPIO Resolutions was chaired by Dr Thomas Abraham (Exec. Trustee, GOPIO Foundation& GOPIO Founding President, USA) using research, preparation and draft by Dr. Piyush Agrawal (Senior Vice President of GOPIO Int'l, USA). The session was co-chaired by former ambassador R. Dayakar (Int'l Coordinator, South Asia, India) with note of thanks provided by K. N. Gupta (Director, Liaison to Gov't. of India, India).

Ten resolutions were adopted at the GOPIO Convention 2013. These resolutions are pertinent to the interests and concerns of the global Indian Diaspora. List is shown below; detailed resolutions at GOPIO website www.gopio.net.

• RESOLUTION 1:  Unreasonable & Unrealistic Custom Duty
• RESOLUTION 2:  Property Related Matters
• RESOLUTION 3:  Cultural Conflicts of New Indian Immigrants settling in other Countries
• RESOLUTION 4:  Extremely Slow System of Indian Justice
• RESOLUTION 5:  Contradictory Provisions for Research in India 
• RESOLUTION 6:  Image of India as a Country
• RESOLUTION 7:  International Indian Emigration Day
• RESOLUTION 8: Terrorism: Safety of Life & Property
• RESOLUTION 9:  Selection of Speakers for PBD
• RESOLUTION 10: Rajya Sabha Seats for NRIs/PIOs

In addition to the unreasonable and unrealistic custom duty and grabbing of NRI properties, a resolution on Image of India as a Country urged the government to do something about the growing corruption and the lack of law and order in the country, which makes the Indian Diaspora embarrassed about the country of their ancestors.

"The image of India and its diaspora is so intertwined that both the positives and the negatives of each affects the other. Both have stakes in each other's prosperity. Therefore we urge the government not to allow corruption to tarnish its image"

The other resolutions covered cultural conflicts faced by new Indian immigrants settling in other countries, lack of sufficient provisions for NRIs to conduct research in the country and growing terrorist activities, the threats to the safety of life and property, selection of speakers to the PBD and reserving Rajya Sabha seats for NRIs.

Another resolution called for an International Indian Emigration Day in order to better connect the Diaspora.

GOPIO requests feedback on the convention. Please send it to GOPIO Secretary Nami Kaur at GopioSecretary@gmail.com.

    

A few YouTube videos of GOPIO Convention 2013 are provided with links below:

Governor M.M. Jacob Delivering Inaugural Address at GOPIO Convention 2013 - http://youtu.be/TFSPbua5kPM

TiE Global Chair Ashok Rao Speaking at GOPIO Convention 2013 in Kochi - http://youtu.be/BBYw6sLfn1A

Dr. Thomas Abraham speaking GOPIO Convention 2013 in Kochi - http://youtu.be/PWw2Sye5ilw

Former MOIA Secretary Mohandas speaking at GOPIO Convention 2013 in Kochi - http://youtu.be/fRlrZk2W9i0

George Abraham speaking at GOPIO Convention 2013 in Kochi - http://youtu.be/W1g1sBju9BA

Ambassador R. Dayakar speaking at GOPIO Convention 2013 in Kochi - http://youtu.be/62XmbML0vVg

The Centenary of the Gadar Movement was among the highlights of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2013. At the inauguration of the 11^th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2013 in Kochi on 8^th January, 2013, Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh emphasized the Gadar Centennial and its importance of the Gadar Movement in Indian history. Singh also released the first day cover and stamp to commemorate the Gadar Movement centenary.

In his inaugural address, the Prime Minister said, "Over the ages, the relationship between Pravasis and Bharat has taken many forms. One of its most glorious manifestations has been their contribution to India's independence movement. Nearly a hundred years ago, almost to this day, Mahatma Gandhi returned to lead a nation's march to freedom. This year, we are celebrating the centenary of the Gadar Movement, which was a luminous spark of support in distant California for the struggle for independence being waged at home in our country. Apart from commemorating it by the issue of a special postage stamp today, we will also upgrade the Gadar Memorial in San Francisco into a functional museum and library with a sculpture to honor the Gadar Babas, the heroes of this great national movement".

Earlier in the program, Minister Vayalar Ravi, in his speech at the inaugural, said, "This is the centenary of the Gadar Movement when migrants from India settled in Canada and USA rose in their opposition to British rule in India, unmindful of the consequences in their love for motherland. Today is also a day to pay homage to them."

Later in the day at PBD2013, Gadar historian and scholar Prof. Harish Puri, formerly of Guru Nanak Dev University, spoke for 45 minutes in a plenary session devoted exclusively to Gadar Movement. This special session was to trace the history and highlights of the Movement dating back to 1913 in San Francisco, California, USA. Rich tributes were paid to heroes of the first-ever organized revolution outside India against the British rule. Prof. Harish Puri, retired Professor of Political Science and Head, B R Ambedkar Chair in Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, presented the oration. Prof Harish Puri is the author of the recently released book 'Ghadar Movement - A Short History' published by the National Book Trust, Delhi. The session was moderated by Mr. M. P. Veerendrakumar, former Union Minister, with the participation of Mr. Vayalar Ravi, Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs, Government of India, and Mr. Oommen Chandy, Chief Minister of Kerala. Prof. Harish Puri thanked the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs and Mr. Vayalar Ravi as well as the Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) for highlighting the Gadar Centenary year.

GOPIO initiated the effort to include the Gadar Centennial an integral part of PBD2013 with direct appeal to the Prime Minister and Minister Ravi, meetings with PMO, MOIA and Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) as well as Dr Karan Singh of ICCR. The Ghadar Party, which was founded in 1913 by Indians in USA and Canada to start a struggle against the British colonial rule, is celebrating its centenary in 2013. 

FOR A FIRST SIKH TO GUARD BUCKINGHAM PALACE

Breaking hundreds of years of tradition, an Indian-origin Sikh is all set to be the first person guarding the Nuckingham Palace in his turban after being given the privilege not to wear the mandatory bearskin on ceremonial duties. 

Guardsman Jatinderpal Singh Bhullar, 25, who joined the Scots Guards this year, has been given permission to wear a turban when on guard duty outside Buckingham Palace, breaking hundreds of years of tradition.

The regiment traces its origin back to 1642 and its soldiers have worn bearskins on parade since 1832. 

Bhullar, from Birmingham, is based at Wellington Barracks in Birdcage Walk. The base is used by soldiers from the Scots Guards' F Company, who are responsible for public duties and guarding the Queen. 

According to military sources, when Bhullar, marches with his colleagues he does not have to wear a bearskin headgear. 

As a devout Sikh, it is mandatory for Bhullar to wear a turban. It is intended to protect his hair, which he never cuts, and to keep them clean. 

For centuries, Sikhs have worn turbans in battle and fought as part of the British Army - including Bhullar's grandfather, who served in World War II. 

The step, however, has irked some serving non-commissioned officers based at Wellington Barracks, who are furious that the British Ministry of Defense (MoD) compromised centuries of history for one soldier. 

Traditionalists in the Scots Guards say the allowances made for Bhullar will make the whole company look ridiculous to tourists and onlookers. 

Bhullar is one of only 20 to 25 British-born Sikhs in the British Army. 

An MoD spokeswoman said: "The Army takes great pride in its diversity. Discussions are underway between this unit, the Sikh community and the MoD. The individual will have the full support of the Army and his colleagues."

NEWS OF INTEREST TO NRIs AND PIOs AROUND THE WORLD

GOPIO is a non-partisan, non-sectarian global organization with chapters in several countries, actively promoting the interests of people of Indian origin worldwide by monitoring and addressing current critical issues of concern, and by enhancing cooperation and communication between groups of Indians living in various countries.

GOPIO Individual Life membership is open to all who believe in the mission of GOPIO. The one- time fee is $5,000 for Platinum Life Membership, $2,500 for Gold Life Membership and $1,500 Silver Life Membership and half the amount for each category for those from developing countries and India.

GOPIO is looking forward to opening chapters in all major cities of the world so as to network people of Indian origin all over the world. If you do not have chapter in your city, please visit GOPIO website (www.gopio.net) and get details of chapter initiation (visit http://www.gopio.net/chapter_initiative.htm). Process involves sending a letter of intent to start a chapter by a committee of five people or more. For more information, contact:

GOPIO Chairman - Inder Singh, Tarzana, California, USA, Tel: +1-818-708-3885, E-mail:  GOPIO.Global@gmail.com.

GOPIO President - Ashook Ramsaran, Fresh Meadows, New York, USA, Tel: 718/939-8194, E-mail: ramsaran@aol.com

GOPIO Executive Vice President - Sunny Kulathakal, Bahrain, Tel: +973 39441956 or +91 9845756692, E-mail: Kulathakal@yahoo.com

Chief Editor: Dr. Thomas Abraham, Founder President and Chairman Emeritus of GOPIO Intl. and Executive Trustee, GOPIO Foundation (Stamford, CT, USA)

Editor: Nami Kaur, Secretary, GOPIO International (New York, USA)

Co-Editors: Bina Mahabir, Co-Chair GOPIO Media Council, GOPIO International (Guyana-New York, USA) and Nilofar Pardawala (Portland, Oregon, USA)

Webmasters: Prashant Gupta (Hyderabad, India) and Abu Thomas (New Rochelle, NY, USA)