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GOPIO NEWS - APRIL 2002
April 16, 2002
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Dear friend:
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Since we started the GOPIO's Online Newsletter, there have been a tremendous
response and interest to get involved in this global network of people of Indian
origin. Several new chapters are in formation. The Netherlands Indian community
have come forward to host the Third European Conference of People of Indian
Origin at Leiden, near Amsterdam where we will finalize GOPIO chapters in
various European cities. If you do not have a GOPIO chapter in your city, please
initiate it with a few of the community activists. You could talk to those who
have been invovled in the Indian community activities before and involve them.
GOPIO chapters can be opened in all Indian cities as well. More details are
provided in this newsletter. So be counted in this global diaspora and network
of people of Indian origin.
GOPIO NEWS BULLETIN
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NFIA CONFERENCE – A GREAT SUCCESS
Three Indian American National Organizations Jointly Sponsor Congressional
Luncheon and White House Briefing
In an unprecedented display of unity, the three national organizations joined
hands in holding a luncheon for U.S. lawmakers at the Capital Hill on Thursday,
March 21st. The National Federation of Indian American Associations (NFIA), the
Associations of Indians in America (AIA) and the Indian American Forum for
Political Education (IAFPE) jointly hosted the event that attracted over two
dozen members of the House of Representatives and Senate.
Despite the fact that the Congress had already adjourned a day before, the show
of so many political leaders at the luncheon was a clear evidence of the growing
clout of the Indo-American community with the U.S. lawmakers. Every member of
the Legislature who attended the event paid a glowing tribute to the community
and pledged to work with her in helping to strengthen Indo-U.S. relations.
Nearly 200 people coming from all over the United States were present to listen
to these political leaders. The gathering was held in connection with the NFIA
sponsored U.S-India Trade and Technology Conference in Washington DC (see
separate story).
Dr. Parthasarthy Pillai, president of NFIA, Piyush Agrawal, president of AIA and
Dr. Lalit Agrawal president of IAFPE welcomed the attendees at the start of the
program at noon. "This is an historic event when three major national
organizations have come together and are jointly sponsoring a Congressional
luncheon," observed Pillai. Piyush Agrawal and Lalit Agrawal echoed the same
sentiments indicating that this was only a start of many more joint efforts to
come in the future. Soon thereafter, the members of the House and Senate lined
up in the room waiting for their chance to address the leaders of the
Indo-American community. At one time there were six lawmakers sitting in the
front row patiently waiting for their turn to speak. Throughout the two-hour
program, the Congressmen and Senators continued dropping in to attend the event.
Congressman Ed Royce (R-California), the Co-chair of India Caucus was the first
to come and the last to leave the room. He gave a comprehensive report on the
activities of caucus in strengthening U.S-India relations. Royce was followed by
the other co-chair of India Caucus, Congressman, Jim McDermott (D-Washington)
who said he was very sad to see the misguided hate crimes against Indians,
particularly Sikhs, in this country following the nine-eleven terrorist attacks.
He asked his audience to be vigilant of such attacks and try to educate the
American public about the people from India.
The terrorism was on the mind of virtually every lawmaker who addressed the
gathering. They were all complimentary of the Indian government that strongly
supported America in her quest to wipe off terrorism from the face of this
earth. "India was one of the first countries to declare its support for
America," said Senator Sam Brownback (R-Kansas). Congressman Frank Pallone who
came to the event in casual clothes said the he stayed behind after the end of
the Congressional session just to address this audience. Pallone is the
co-founder of India Caucus who is very popular among the Indo-American community
and was recently awarded Padma Bhushan by the government of India for his work
in the Congress on behalf of the caucus. Others who addressed the Indo-American
community included Congresswoman Hilda Solis (D-California), Congressman Jim
Davis (D-Florida), Congressman Joe Wilson (D-South Carolina), Connie Morella
(R-Maryland), Alcee Hastings (D- Florida), Bob Filner (D-California) and many
others.
Moderated by Rajen Anand of NFIA, Sambu Banik of IAFPE and Jay Joshi of the AIA,
the event was not long enough to provide sufficient time to each legislator to
make a significant point. Many times, the Congressman had to cut his speech in
the interest of time. The organizers should think of a different mode of holding
such events that provides enough time for a meaningful dialogue. One thing very
impressive about this event was that the moderators did not allow any one to
take staged photographs on the stage in order not to make this look like a
photo-op session.
White House Briefing
Soon after the Congressional luncheon, the people departed for the White House
where the Indo-American community was treated for the first time under the
current Bush Administration to a briefing by the Staff. Harry Thomas, Director
for South Asia, National Security Council was the first to brief the audience on
the U.S-India and U.S-Pakistan relations. He emphasized the United States
maintains and will continue to maintain cordial relation with both India and
Pakistan. He thanked Pakistani president for his support in the current
situation in Afghanistan. Others who addressed the gathering were a staff member
from USA Freedom Corps that has been established to increase volunteerism and
Ben Wu Deputy Under Secretary of Commerce.
The National Federation of Indian American Associations, NFIA, then
proceeded
with its Trade and Technology Conference at the Omnishoreham in DC from Mar
22-24 attended by over 500 delegates. It concluded with a banquet on 23rd night.
GOPIO was a co-sponsor of this event.
CONTACTS: Fax: (301) 963-1367/ (301) 935-2627, e-Mail: PPillai1@aol.com,
joydebkroy@netzero.net, info@nationalfederation.org
GOPIO - THIRD EUROPEAN REGIONAL CONVENTION
GOPIO is pleased to announce the Third European Regional Convention near
Amsterdam, The Netherlands. NRI/PIO delegates from all over the world are
invited to this meeting, which will discuss several global and regional issues.
Tentative Program
June 7, 2002, 3 PM to 7 PM Meeting of the GOPIO Executive Council
Evening - Free for socializing, visiting Amsterdam and an informal Dinner
June 8, 2002, 9 AM to 10 AM Welcome, coffee and registration.
10 AM to 1.30 PM - Globalization: opportunities, problems
and the role of PIOs particularly in Europe.
-PIOs
as global citizens
-New issues of PIO mmigrants/residents
in Europe
in Europe
1.30 PM to 2.30 PM Lunch
2.30 PM to 5.30 PM Business, cultural, professional &
Social networking among PIOs particularly in
Europe:
opportunities and problems.
6.30 PM to 8.00 PM Reception and cocktails
President Kennedylaan
185,
2343 GZ Oegstgeest
Host: GOPIO Chairman Ram
Lakhina and Mrs. Lakhina
8.30 PM to 11.00PM DINNER
June 9,2002, 10.00 AM to 1.00 PM Creating GOPIO Chapters in European
Countries: general discussion followed by PIO Country
meetings
Venue: Hotel Holiday Inn Leiden
Haagse Schouwweg 10
2332 KG Leiden
The
Netherlands
Tel: 00-31-71-5355555
This hotel is located at a distance of about 30 kilometres or 20 miles from
Amsterdam airport.
Room Rate: Double/twin beds - 140 Euros.
Second Hotel Choice (5 minutes driving distance from conference site) Room Rate:
Double/twin beds - 57 Euros.
BASTION HOTEL LEIDEN/OEGSTGEEST
Rijnzichtweg 97
2342 AX Oegstgeest
The
Netherlands
Tel 00-31-71-5153841
Fax 00-31-71-5154981
Participation fee – US $100. This will cover conference facilities/materials,
two lunches, one elaborate dinner and
tea/coffee/snacks throughout the
conference.
For further information concerning the Regional Conference PIOs may contact:
Dr. H.U.Qureshi
Email: HU.Qureshi@wanadoo.nl
Tel : 00-31-70-3276004
Mobile
00-31-(0)6-44984228
or
Mr. R.L.Lakhina
Email :lakhina@xs4all.nl
Tel :00-31-71-5149727 or 5131321
Fax :00-31-71-5128162
Mobile :00-31-(0)6-10914414
A group tour to visit Germany, Switzerland and Paris is being planned. If
interested contact Ms. Raju Batheja in the U.S. at rajubatheja@yaoo.com, tel:
212-689-4366.
THIRD GLOBAL INDIAN ENTREPRENEURS CONFERENCE along with
INDIAN AND NRI/PIO
ECONOMIC SUMMIT
September 12th to 15th, 2002
Crowne Plaza Hotel, La Guardia Airport, 104-04 Ditmars Blvd., East Elmhurst, New
York 11369, USA
Conference Theme
“People of Indian Origin – Technology, Investment, Business and
Networking Opportunities”
Conference Sessions
Opportunities in Hospitality Industry
Franchising
Trading
and Business Opportunities in North America
Opportunities in
Biotechnology/Genomics
Next Generation Software/Networking/Wireless Technologies
Service Industry Opportunities for NRIs/PIOs
Opportunities in India
Opportunities in West Indies and Africa
Opportunities in Europe, Middle East and
Far East
Organized By
Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO)
&
GOPIO
Business Council and GOPIO New York
Co-Sponsored by
PIO/NRI Chambers of Commerce from all over the world
PIO/NRI Chambers of Commerce are requested to contact GOPIO to become an
official sponsor. Please contact: GOPIO President Dr. Thomas Abraham at
203-329-8010, E-mail: gopio@optonline.net; President-Elect Inder Singh at
818-708-3885, E-mail: indersinghusa@yahoo.com; Secretary General Ashook Ramsaran
at 718-939-8194, E-mail: ramsaran@aol.com or International Coordinator Dr. Jagat
Motwani at 516-421-4688, E-mail: jagatmotwani@yahoo.com
U.S. VISITOR VISA – CHANGES POPOSED BY INS
The U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Services (INS) has proposed a 30 days
visitor visa, cutting short the existing law of max 6 months. According to the
Indian and other ethnic community leaders, this would affect their life since
most of the new immigrants’ parents and family members visit them coming over
here frequently. INS is accepting comments for 30 days on the proposed law.
Please click the below link and comment your views stating that the proposed law
will not do any good for Protection against Terrorism and it will only affect
the lives of millions of permanent residents and naturalized citizens.
http://www.ins.usdoj.gov/graphics/exec/feedback/feedback.asp?PurpSysID=10&StartURL=/graphics/feedback.htm
THOSE WHO LIVE IN AMERICA, you are welcome to copy and paste, the following:
*******
Attn: Mr. Commissioner
Dear Sir:
This mail is to comment about the proposed Immigration law, revising the 6
months visitor visa to 30 days.
As travel industry has already bounced on this, we wish to bring to your
attention that this law would have the greatest impact on the lives of recent
immigrants and naturalized citizens. We have our parents and family coming to
the USA to visit us and spend time with us and the proposed change will almost
cut our relation either with our family or with the USA work industry.
More over, cutting short the stay in USA will never help INS preventing
Terrorism. Perhaps a better visa processing procedures including a check on
credentials of the visa seeker in their home land or relaxing the proposed law
for ages above 50 would help.
Please reconsider your proposed change, as it does not stand to your goal of
preventing terrorism.
Sincerely,
Name
In the meanwhile INS has clarified soem of the provision announced earlier as
follows:
INS Clarifies Non-Immigrant Visitor Rules
The Immigration and Naturalization
Service (INS) has received numerous requests to clarify the following two
provisions of the proposed regulations announced by Commissioner James Ziglar
earlier. To ensure that these provisions are properly being interpreted and that
the public has an accurate understanding of these proposals, the following
summary is being provided. The INS again notes that these are proposed rules and
are subject to a public comment period prior to becoming final.
Minimum Admission Period Eliminated
The proposed rule will not automatically limit B-2 visitors for pleasure to a
30-day admission. The rule will place the burden on the visitor to explain to an
INS Immigration Inspector the nature and purpose of the visit in order for the
Inspector to determine “a period of time that is fair and reasonable for the
completion of the purpose of the visit.” When Inspectors cannot determine a fair
and reasonable period of admission, INS will grant a 30-day period of admission.
If an alien establishes the need for a period of stay, longer than 30 days, the
Inspector will grant an appropriate and proportionate period of admission.
New Requirements for Change of Status
The proposed rule will not bar all B non-immigrants from changing status. The
proposed rule will require B non-immigrant visitors to notify INS upon initial
entry of their intent to begin a course of study in the United States. INS
recognizes that some prospective students will seek admission to the United
States as B-2 visitors for pleasure in order to tour an educational
institution’s campus or interview for admission. In order for persons admitted
as B non-immigrant visitors to change their status to that of a student, they
will have to clearly state their intent to study in the United States when they
initially apply for admission. INS Immigration Inspectors will note that the
alien is a prospective student and make the proper notation on the alien’s I-94
form (Arrival/Departure Record). This rule will not apply to those already in
the United States in B non-immigrant visitor status, since they may have already
started a course of study in reliance upon existing rules. Additionally, this
rule does not bar individuals admitted under other non-immigrant visa categories
from changing status.
RETURNING NRIs MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN PUNJAB
(Credit: IndDiaspora Group E-Mail)
Sons-of-soil return to make a difference
Reeta Sharma
Return of NRIs of Punjab to their motherland is stamped all over the State. Yes!
I personally witnessed their return to their birthplace. Whether it is Doaba or
Majha or Malwa regions, the sons-of-the-soil have returned in an astonishing
way.
What the successive elected governments in Punjab have failed to deliver in the
past 54 years, post-partition, the NRIs of Punjab have done in mere 3-5 years.
No! I am neither talking of myths nor magic, but sheer hard reality. Though
settled in different parts of the world and having no interaction amongst
themselves, their efforts and results almost make you believe as if it was a
collective thought that has borne fruit.
Many NRIs of Punjab have independently collected funds, conceived projects and
have brought them to ground realities in various parts of the State. I have
visited and witnessed few of the projects, to substantiate the 'return of the
Punjabi NRIs'. For example, the village Kharaudi in Hoshiarpur district - the
entire village has been transformed by just two NRIs. This village has given the
message of nurturing the roots and improving the quality of life of people
through collective efforts. It is a case study, unparalleled and unprecedented.
On a visit to this village, I was told that two sons of this village, who had
migrated to Canada, immediately after partition in 1947, decided to actively
involve themselves and change the lives of the people their village, Kharaudi.
The two NRIs are Dr R S Basi, former Vice-Chancellor of Alaska Pacific
University, Canada and Dr G S Gill, the first medical practitioner to start
private practice in Vancouver.
They were joined by Dr Sukhdev Singh Basi (younger brother of the
Vice-Chancellor), an electrical engineer, who has taught in Canada for 33 years.
The three appealed to all fellow NRIs of Kharuadi to donate money for the
project they had conceived.
Incidentally, every third house in Kharaudi has a member who has migrated
abroad. Within no time Rs 50 lakh was collected. Thus began the work of
transforming the village.
Today there are no open drains or dirty by-lanes and streets, there is a
sewerage treatment plant and park with a statue of village martyr Arjan Singh
'Sach', who was jailed for 12 years during India's struggle for freedom. There
is also solar street lighting. A 'pillar
of appreciation' is under construction to carry names of donors of Kharaudi who
have contributed more than Rs 1 lakh or more. Both Dr Gill and Dr Basi began
working on the project titled 'Nurture your roots' in September 1999, and within
three years the village has been
transformed beyond recognition. Today, it has concrete streets connecting each
house. The sewerage line flows through the village with a concrete cover on it
and each house is connected to it. Unlike most of our State Government's
half-baked ideas of engineering, the
sewerage water has not been allowed to pollute at its final disposal.
When the Kharuadi NRIs collected Rs 50 lakh, the State Government promised to
make a matching contribution of funds. The then Chief Minister, Parkash Singh
Badal, who was apprised of the project, promptly gave Rs 10 lakh. The remaining
amount is still awaited. The NRIs discovered to their dismay that corruption and
red tape came in the way of project execution.
For example, the official estimate for replacing broken PVC water supply pipes
given to them was Rs 8 lakh. The NRIs found it to be too high and decided to
complete the work on their own. That cost them just Rs 1.50 lakh. Likewise, for
laying sewerage line in the village, the Government's estimate was Rs 22 lakh.
Finding it too much the NRIs took the job again. Not only the work of the
sewerage line but providing 200 house connections cost them a mere Rs 11 lakh.
Kharaudi is an example of how NRIs have invested in their village. There are
individual cases too when NRIs came forward to repay a debt of gratitude to
their native places.
Just close to Kharaudi is village Bharata-Ganeshpur, where an individual, Pammi
Bains, has done remarkable work for the welfare of the surrounding area. He has
constructed a modern mortuary, which can house six bodies and is available to
anyone free of cost. But NRIs say that they still want collective effort to
optimise the improvement in village life-style.
Take the case of Parmar, a contractor with the US government. He is in the
process of building a hospital in village Panjaura in Kotfatui, again in
district Hoshiarpur. It is estimated to cost around Rs 10 crore. Mr Parmar has
already invested Rs 3 crore and the hospital has started functioning.
Yet another hospital, involving an investment of Rs 3 crore, is coming up at
village Dahan in district Nawanshehar. One Budh Singh of Canada is constructing
it. The hospital is already working , though, expansion is still on.
Another NRI, Baldev Singh of village Majatri, near Chandigarh, who left his
native place 27 years ago, has built a school and gifted it to the people. It
has cost him Rs 40 lakh.
One feature common to all the projects that the NRIs undertook, collectively or
individually, was the apathy of the government departments, which failed to
extend a helping hand; may that be for water or power connection. Yet the NRIs
have not been de-motivated by the bureaucratic hurdles.
GOPIO CHAPTER NEWS
Lal Motwani Appointed GOPIO's New York Chapter President
GOPIO has appointed of Mr. Lal Motwani as the President of GOPIO's New York
Chapter. The official appointment is effective as of March 01, 2002 although he
had been handling many of the responsibilities for some time.
Lal Motwani would be responsible for managing all aspects of the New York
Chapter of GOPIO and providing local support to GOPIO International
organization. Lal Motwani is a pioneering GOPIO life member, a diligent
supporter and active community advocate of PIO issues. Lal Motwani can be
reached at 718-470-1026 or E-mail: lmotwani@nyc.rr.com
GOPIO Port of Spain (Trinidad & Tobago) Initiated
The Republic of Trinidad & Tobago (T&T) has a Indian population of well over
400,000 that comprise approximately 40.3% of the total population. In the Indian
Diaspora this community is significant. The previous Prime Minister of T&T was
Mr. Basdeo Panday. The T&T parliament is at an impasse after the last election
held in the later part of 2001.
Since the arrival of Indians to Trinidad in 1845 to the present time the Indian
has been viewed less than a full citizen in this land, either under the colonial
masters or under the black nationalists that led the nation to independence.
Yet despite the ever hostile environment, the Indian identity was maintained and
promoted by the Indian community in Trinidad. This community has prospered and
blossomed to the envy of many other communities both locally and
internationally.
With this backdrop in mind, the Trinidad and Tobago Indian community has written
a letter on intent (LOI) to establish a chapter of GOPIO in Trinidad.
The initial team members of the chapter are as follows:
Devant Parsuram Maharaj President
Khasraj Maharaj Vice President
Gideon
Hanoomansigh Secretary
Dr. Kumar Mahabir Joint Secretary
Roger Gopaul
Treasurer
Sat Sukdeo Committee Member
Roger D Ramcharitar Committee Member
GOPIO Chapter Initiation
One can initiate a chapter and become part of this global network of people of
Indian origin by visiting GOPIO’s Chapter Initiative website
www.gopio.net/chapter_initiative.htm to get a copy of the guidelines governing
GOPIO chapters. Alternately, call GOPIO’s International coordinator Dr. Jagat
Motwani at 631-421-4688 in USA.
Business and Professional Services Bulletin Board
PIOs are encouraged to publicize businesses and services though GOPIO Business
Council Bulletin Board free of charge. Please visit
www.gopio.net/wboard/bulletin.htm
Visit GOPIO’s Official site at www.gopio.net
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GOPIO Inc.
P.O. Box
1413 Stamford, CT 06904
Web Site: http://www.gopio.net
Email:
gopio@optonline.net
Phone: 203-329-8010 Fax: 203-322-2233