|
|
GOPIO NEWS
May 14, 2017
A Publication of the Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO)
|
| Join Our List |  |
NOTE: GOPIO News is a FREE bi-monthly newsletter of GOPIO International, based in the USA. We need your help in reaching out more NRIs/PIOs around the world. Please go to the bottom of the news bulletin and click the FORWARD button and type e-mail addresses of your friends and relatives. One could also subscribe this newsletter by visiting www.gopio.net and type in the e-mail address. All preivous issues of GOPIO News are provided at GOPIO News Archives. If you do not wish to receive this newsletter in future, please click SafeUnsubscribe at the end of this newsletter.
GOPIO is a community supported non-profit organization taking up issues of the Indian Diaspora and attempting to unifying the community in its common causes. Support GOPIO by becoming a Life Member or chapter member. Once can become Life Member online by visiting http://www.gopio.net/online_membership.html.
|
GOPIO CONDUCTS SUCCESSFUL US LAUNCH OF ITS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IN NEW YORK - CHAPTERS TO BE INITIATED ALL OVER THE WORLD
|
|
GOPIO, the Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (www.gopio.net), together with the New York Consul General of India, announced the USA launch of GOPIO's International Chamber of Commerce (GICC) at the Indian Consulate in New York on April 28, 2017. GICC was inaugurated earlier at India's business capital in Mumbai on Jan. 10, 2017 by the Governor of Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu Shri Vidyasagar Rao.
Honored chief guest Mrs. Riva Ganguly Das, Consul General of India and GOPIO's elected GOPIO officials hosted this event for the Indian Diaspora of the New York Tri-State region. The inauguration event was attended by approximately 150 members of the NRI (Non-Indian Resident) and PIO (Person of Indian Origin) community. The Networking Cocktail started at 6:30 pm, followed by the Launch Ceremony at 7:00pm and Dinner at 8:15pm.
Master of Ceremony Prakash Shah, Co-Chair of GICC kicked off the event, with introductory remarks, "GOPIO has tapped into a long-felt need for an international networking organization for the business People of Indian Origin. GICC has gotten off to a flying start after the January 10, 2017 global launch in Mumbai (India) by the Maharashtra Governor, with requests from around the world pouring in to open GICC chapters in all the major cities". Shah stated GICC objectives as, "GICC aims to bring together the business people of the Indian Diaspora, providing them the networking opportunity on a common worldwide platform."
Indian Consul General Riva Ganguly Das welcomed the attendees to the Consulate for the US launch of GICC, commenting "GOPIO is the only organization that truly represents the interests of the worldwide 30 million Indian Diaspora." She praised this latest GOPIO venture launch remarking, "GOPIO 's GICC initiative is most timely and very much needed at this time."
Other speakers included H. R. Shah, Chair of the GICC launch; GOPIO Life Member and Parikh Media Chairman Dr. Sudhir Parikh and New Jersey Assemblyman Raj Mukherji.
H R Shah, this year's recipient of Padma Shri award from Indian President, who Chairs the GOPIO's Board of Advisors and is Chairman of TV Asia, quoting a number of key statistics on Diaspora businesses explained why an effort such as GICC was very much needed. Mr. Shah also served as the GICC Launch Chair.
Event sponsor State Bank of India (SBI) was represented by senior officers at the launch. SBI's new USA Country Head Ashwini Tewari said that SBI fully supports GOPIO efforts and SBI see great opportunity ahead to work with Indian owned businesses.
Dr. Thomas Abraham Chairman of GOPIO International presented the details of GICC including the genesis of GICC, "The Biennial Convention in 2016 held in New York became a corner stone for GOPIO to be more involved in business, technology, investment and philanthropic activities to mobilize Diaspora resources for the common good. At this meeting, GOPIO General Body decided to initiate GOPIO International Chamber of Commerce (GICC) as a business platform for the Indian Diaspora."
"GOPIO International is the most networked Indian Diaspora organization which is a brand, and unlike other chambers, GOPIO International Chamber of Commerce (GICC) will cater to the Indian Diaspora businesses and entrepreneurs and will be the only globally networked Indian Chamber of Commerce," Dr. Abraham added.
 Photo above: GICC USA launch with lighting of the lamp, from l. to r.: GOPIO Upper New York President Jhairam Persaud, GOPIO North Jersey Vice President Rajul Shah, GOPIO's Tri-State New York Area Coordinator Lal Motwani, Parikh Media Chairman Dr. Sudhir Parikh, GOPIO Intl. Chairman Dr. Thomas Abraham, GOPIO Intl. Coordinator Dr. Rajeev Mehta, Consul General Riva Ganguly Das, GOPIO-New York President Beena Kothari, AIA President Govind Munjal, Assemblyman Raj Mukherjee, GICC Co-Chair Prakash Shah and GOPIO-CT President Anita Bhat
GICC would serve as a non-geographical chapter of GOPIO International and will create worldwide networking opportunity for people of Indian origin in business and professional services. As there are over 3 million businesses owned by People of Indian Origin around the world within the Indian Diaspora of 30 million, GICC provides a great opportunity for one to become a Sponsor Member or Life Member. GICC will encourage and promote increasing levels of business investments by and among NRI/PIOs in various parts of the world.
GICC will reach out and set up chapters in neighborhoods with large number of Indian owned businesses and services. It will also launch chapters in small towns, cities, counties, states/provinces and countries. Hopefully GICC will emerge as the most networked Indian Diaspora business group. Unlike other chambers, GICC's biggest advantage and benefit to its members and chapters will be that it will be the most globally networked Indian Diaspora business group.
The launch program was put together by GOPIO's Tri-State New York Area Coordinator Lal Motwani and GOPIO New York President Beena Kothari and was supported by other GOPIO Chapters in the New York area; GOPIO-Upper New York, GOPIO-Connecticut, GOPIO-Central Jersey and GOPIO-North Jersey. The event was sponsored by the State Bank of India in New York
Photo: GOPIO officers and State Bank of India officers after the GICC launch in New York, from l. to r.: Dinesh Mittal, Dr. Asha Samant, Shailesh Naik, Nami Kaur, Shelly Nichani, Kenny Desai, H.R. Shah, Lal Motwani, SBI Country Head Ashwini Tewari, GOPIO Chairman Dr. Thomas Abraham, Beena Kothari, SBI CEO R. Viswanathan, Varghese Ninan, Rajul Shah, Dr. Sudhir Parikh, GICC Co-Chair Prakash Shah, Meera Banta and Dharmatma Saran
|
| ALL SET FOR GOPIO'S GLOBAL INDIAN BUSINESS SUMMIT IN DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA, MAY 19-21, 2017 |
|
 TENTATIVE PROGRAM
(19TH -21ST MAY 2017)
THEME
INDIASPORA BUILDING AFRICA THROUGH OPPORTUNITIES BEYOND FRONTIERS
|
FRIDAY 19TH MAY 2017
|
|
17:00 hrs
|
WELCOME & REGISTRATION OF DELEGATES
Durban Chamber Meetings
WELCOME DINNER/COCKTAIL EVENING
Venue : COASTLANDS UMHLANGA
|
|
Saturday 20th May 2017
|
|
07:00 hrs -9:00
|
BUSINESS BREAKFAST
|
|
9:30 hrs
|
WELCOME AND INAUGUARATION OF THE CONVENTION
|
|
10.00 hrs - 17 hrs
|
CONFERENCE SESSIONS
|
|
19H00 hrs
|
GOPIO INTERNATIONAL SOUTH AFRICA GALA DINNER
DIGNITARIES, CULTURAL PROGRAMME, DINNER
|
|
SUNDAY 23RD MAY 2017
|
|
9:00 - 11:30 hrs
2H00PM
|
GOPIO INTERNATIONAL EXECUTIVE MEETING
Visit to Mahatma Gandhi Settlement/Ashram - Hosted by the Granddaughter of Mahatma Gandhi, Mrs Ela Gandhi
|
AFRICAN SAFARI AT DISCOUNTED RATES IS BEING ARRANGED FOR CONVENTION ATTENDEES
Contract: Ishwar Ramlutchman. Convention Convener and International Coordinator for Africa, Tel: +27-833578747. E-mail: acindustrial@mweb.co.za.
|
| GOPIO HOLDS CANDLELIGHT VIGIL FOR SRINIVAS KACHIBOTLA |
|
|
GOPIO-Inland Empire chapter organized candlelight vigil in Riverside, California on March 5, 2017 in memory of Srinivas Kuchibhotla of Kansas. The main organizer was the chapter president Vasu Pawar.
Photo above: Candlelight Vigil by GOPIO Inland Empire Chapter, California.
See Video Clips from Candlelight Vigil on 3/5/7 in Downtown Riverside, California.
KANSAS STATE PROCLAIMS INDIAN-AMERICAN APPRECIATION DAY Kansas Governor, Sam Brownback proclaimed March 16 as "Indian-American Appreciation Day." In honor of Srinivas Kuchibhotla who was fatally shot in Olathe, Kansas. A select group of community members, who attended the Proclamation event, were selected by Alok Madasani and Ian Grillot who were injured while trying to protect Kuchibhotla. The Proclamation not only condoled the death of Kuchibhotla but stated that it valued the contributions made by Indians in computer and software engineering; the medical and technological sectors and in education. It also recognized that many people of Indian origin served in the military and held local and state government positions. Governor Brownback emphasized that acts of hate and intolerance will not be tolerated since Kansans have always fought against injustice and senseless hatred. He reaffirmed that he would welcome Indians to Kansas to live, work and raise families there. INDIAN AMERICANS RAISE $100,000 FOR KANSAS MAN WHO TOOK A BULLET DEFENDING INDIANS A true hero, Ian Gilliot was felicitated at a moving ceremony presided over by India's ambassador, Navtej Sarna and Consul General Houston, Anupam Ray, in Houston. The bullet that Grillot took while attempting to defend Srinivas Kuchibhotla and Alok Reddy Madasani, symbolized outstanding courage against xenophobic hate. "Whatever you have done to save the life of a stranger, you represent the true America, you are the true hero ... money cannot compensate you for your heroism, but I hope you will accept this check and utilize it towards buying your house. Thank you so much," community leaders stated while presenting Grillot with a check for $100,000. The xenophobic fervor that Adam Pruinton exhibited while shooting Srinivas Kuchibhotla and Alok Reddy Madasani, engineers from India working for Garmin USA , has left Indian- Americans feeling that they were at the receiving end of American resentment for their success, rather than for their legality. However, Grillot's compassion and courage gives Indian Americans much to hope for, especially when many of them feel uncomfortable under a new dispensation that is not enamored of the diversity and pluralism that America has embraced over the past two decades. Many community activists blame President Trump for engendering a permissive atmosphere for right-wing elements to express xenophobia, which they feel causes attacks on people of Indian origin. Jiten Agarwal, who led the drive to raise the money for the presentation, stated "Ian has given us an occasion to reaffirm a tie that binds us all as Americans, irrespective of where we come from ... (he) is a man who reminds us of the promise of America and its greatness,"
|
| GOPIO CHAIRMAN CONFRONTS RBI GOVERNOR URJIT PATEL FOR DISALLOWING DIASPORA INDIANS TO DEPOSIT THEIR DEMONETIZED CURRENCIES AT NEW YORK MEETING | |
Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) Chairman Dr. Thomas Abraham confronted Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Dr. Urjit Patel at a talk delivered by him at Columbia University on April 24th for not allowing Diaspora Indians with foreign citizenship to deposit or exchange their demonetized Indian currencies. GOPIO estimates that over Rs. 5,000 crores of demonetized currencies are in the possession of OCI card holders and those non-OCI card holders with foreign citizenship. Many travelling to India to deposit their currencies were turned away by RBI at five of its branches which still accept the demonetized currencies from NRIs who are Indian citizens.
"This is gross injustice to more than 50% of the overseas Indians who have been deprived of their hard-earned income," said Dr. Abraham.
In January 2017, GOPIO launched a PetitionOnline campaign appealing to Prime Minister of India to allow OCI/PIO card holders as well as Diaspora Indians with Foreign Citizenship to deposit or exchange their demonetized Indian currencies at the Reserve Bank of India. Currently, NRIs holding Indian Passport are only allowed to deposit or exchange the demonetized currencies at five Reserve Bank India branches in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai and Nagpur.
Dr. Abraham presented a copy of the issues and comments raised by Diaspora Indians through PetitionOnline. Several thousands of Diaspora Indians signed the petition which is still going on at www.gopio.net.
"This is a major issue for the Diaspora Indians and it is a created issue and it needs to be resolved," said GOPIO International President Niraj Baxi.
 In a letter to RBI Governor Patel, GOPIO noted that It would be unfair of India to treat OCI card holders differently from NRIs for depositing their hard-earned demonetized currencies. Diaspora Indians with Foreign Citizenship, and PIO and OCI card holders be given the same opportunity for depositing old and obsolete currency notes as given to NRIs (Indian Passport holders), allowing them to deposit up to Rs. 250,000 of Indian currency in the Reserve Bank of India instead of notified amount of Rs. 25,000. RBI argument that OCI card holders may be used by those in India to convert their demonetized currencies falls apart since more NRIs have closer contacts with people in India than OCI hard holders, so why discriminate OCI card holders?
The letter further stated that some of the NRIs and PIO/OCI card holders have old currency notes safely kept in their residences in India for reasons such as education of their children in India, supporting old age parents, helping family members, etc., so allow RBI and Banks having NRO accounts to accept the old currency notes up to Rs. 2,50,000;
Dr. Abraham presented a copy of comments and feedback from several thousands of Indians worldwide to RBI Governor Urjit Patel to forward it to Prime Minister Modi.
Finally, since all Diaspora Indians with Foreign Citizenship (PIO and OCI card holders) may not be able to visit India prior to June 30, 2017, they should be allowed to deposit old currency notes at either the Reserve Bank of India or in their NRO Accounts up to December 31, 2017.
"Indians who left India to earn their living should not be deprived of their hard-earned money because they were not in India to deposit the demonetized notes when Indian banks were accepting the notes," Dr. Abraham added.
GOPIO has appealed to Dr. Patel to resolve this issue quickly.
GOPIO's online signature campaign is still on. Please visit GOPIO website www.goopio.net and sign the petition at the link provided in the home
|
|
GOPIO NEWS SPONSOR
|
|
|
Viiaan is a Real Estate company facilitating clients and developers buy & sell properties in Western & Central parts of India. Viiaan is preferred marketing partners to some of the best developing companies in the region. Viiaan also focus into development activities itself in the city of Mumbai with currently 3 projects in pipeline. Contact:
Viiaan Realty LLP,
2, Vireshwar Kunj, Tejpal Road, Vile Parle East, Mumbai, 400057, Maharashtra, India, Tel: +91 22 2610 5127,
|
| CONVERT PIO TO OCI CARD NOW - ONLY ONE MONTH LEFT | |
CONVERT PIO TO OCI CARD NOW - ONLY ONE MONTH LEFT
GOPIO is alerting those holding PIO card to take immediate steps to convert it to OCI Card. If you have a PIO card issued by Govt' of India, which so far served as your visa to India, will be terminated on June 30, 2017. You must act before this date to apply to convert your PIO card to an OCI card for free. After this date, you will have to start afresh an application for OCI card and pay the fee.
To apply for conversion of PIO to OCI, go to https://passport.gov.in/oci. One can complete an application and give attachments on line. One can also use this to apply for a new OCI for your spouse (Indian or foreigner) and for children.
|
| GOPIO INTERNATIONAL AND CHAPTER NEWS | |
|
GOPIO UPPER NEW YORK COMMEMORATES "INDIAN ARRIVAL" WITH DINNER AND DANCE
GOPIO's Upper New York Chapter held its Ninth Annual Dinner and Dance on April 29, 2017, to celebrate the arrival of Indian Indentured Laborers to Guyana. This program was held at Starlite Pavilion, Richmond Hill, Queens, New York and was coordinated by Mr. Jhairam Persaud, President of the GOPIO Upper New York Chapter.
Mr. Jhairam Persaud's, welcome address was followed by two speeches and a book launch.
Dr. Sharla ShiromieKargi spoke on "Mental Health issues in Guyana and the Caribbean" with emphasis on suicide rates in those areas. Mr. Dennis Ramdin spoke about the "Vihara Poverty Project ".
Dr. BasdeoMangru, a prominent author and historian, launched his book, "Champions of Indo-Guyanese Welfare, 1838-1938". His book concentrates on the individuals and groups who championed the welfare of Indian workers in the 100 years following their landing in Guyana in May1838.
Later, Dr. Leslie Ramasammy, the son of an immigrant, spoke about "Adversities and Continued Rising of Indian Immigrants". Dr. Ramasammy is the former Minister of Health and Minister of Agriculture and he referred to indenture-ship as a form of re-engineered slavery and his words resonated very well with the audience.
The GOPIO Service Awards were presented after the book launch and the former Test Cricketer and coach, Mr. Joseph Stanislaus Solomon won the Community Service Award. Mr. Solomon is currently involved in the selection process of the West Indies team and was coaching a local team in his native Guyana until retiring in 2005.
 Photo above: From L to R: Mr Jhairam Persaud, Mr Martin Lalsingh, Hon. Dr. Leslie Ramsammy, Dr Ivan Shivcharran, Miss Ann Lutchmidat, Mrs. Savi Narain, Mr. Premnauth Singh, Mr. Dev Chedda, Pt. Gurdatt Jagnanan, Mr. Tony Rupnarain, Miss Patsy Leopold and Mr. Netram Rambudhan
Mr. Martin Lalsingh concluded the event by thanking the presenters and attendees.
Contact: Jhairam Persaud, President, GOPIO-Upper New York, 917-748-2430 jayperappraisals@verizon.net
GOPIO-PARIS CELEBRATES HOLI IN GRAND FERVOR
GOPIO Paris North coordinated with Le Jardin d'Acclimatation to celebrate Holi on March 19 and Shri Manish Prabhat, Deputy Chief of Mission in Paris honored this event.
Around 25000 visitors, French and Indian origins shared this great moment of happiness with colors in a spirit of love, friendship and brotherhood. Many people got a good glimpse of the rich and diverse cultures of India.
Photo above: Dancers at the Holi Festival 2017 by GOPIO-Paris Nord
Holi, the festival that rejoices over the triumph of good over evil and the onset of spring, was celebrated by the Indian Diaspora with Bangra dances and Rajasthani music. This helped to create a festive atmosphere and people of French and Indian origins shared this great moment of happiness with traditional Holi colors in a spirit of friendship and brotherhood.
With the success of this event, GOPIO, Paris now looks forward to celebrate Holi, annually in Paris.
Photo top left: Mr Countcham of Indian Cook, Miss India France 2016 Narmade Madavane, Mrs Shreevalli Countcham, GOIO-Paris Nord President Mehen Poinoosawmy. Other photos: Dancers and people playing with colors.
GOPIO INLAND EMPIRE CHAPTER CELEBRATES VALENTINE'S DAY
Valentine's Day was celebrated by the GOPIO Inland Empire Chapter at the Bombay Restaurant Cuisine of India in California.
While addressing the guests, the chapter president, Ms. Vasu Pawar emphasized the need for GOPIO to not only contribute towards the needs of the Indian Community in the US but also to focus on creating solidarity among Indians and promote world peace, progress, and ecological harmony.
Around 160 guests braved the inclement weather to attend this spectacular event. They were entertained by outstanding singers and entertainers who performed in an elegantly decorated hall.
The president, Ms Vasu Pawar and a team of dedicated volunteers organized this very successful event.
Photo above: GOPIO-Inland Empire Chapter team at Valentine's Day 2017 Dinner and Dancing program
Contact: Ms. Vasu Pawar, President, GOPIO Inland Empire Chapter, Tel: 909-389-8262. Email: gopioinland@gmail.com
INDIAN AMBASSADOR TO GERMANY COMPLIMENTS GOPIO BERLIN FOR CONTRIBUTING TO GERMANY-INDIA RELATIONS
In a letter to GOPIO-Berlin President, Barjinder Sodhi, the Indian Ambassador to Germany, Gurjit Singh wrote that GOPIO-Berlin has become an important link to better German-India relations.
"I wish to thank you for your tremendous nobility of spirit and community service that you render in Germany" said Ambassador Singh.
Mr. Singh commended GOPIO's efforts to promote a better understanding of India and its people in Germany. The GOPIO Berlin chapter was formed in 2006 and Mr. Singh stated that since then, GOPIO has created many opportunities for Indians in Germany to meet German leaders and this has created an improved awareness about India in Germany.
He felt that GOPIO's commitments to Indian festivals and National Days has encouraged the Indian community in Germany who have benefited from this link to their homeland. Mr. Singh recognized that the work that GOPIO is involved in not only benefits the Indian community but also forges good Indo-German relations.
GOPIO-DELHI/NCR HOSTS PADMASHRI AWARDEE H.R. SHAH
GOPIO Founder Member H.R. Shah who is also Chairman of TV Asia was honored by GOPIO Delhi/NCR Chapter on April 13th, 2017 at the Habitat Center in New Delhi, after he received Padma Shri Award from President Pranab Mukherjee at the Rashtrapati Bhavan earlier in the day. Many dignitaries were present at the reception including Mr. Dnyaneshwar Mulay, Secretary (CPV and OIA) and Dr. Manoj Kumar Mohapatra, Director (Estt) at MEA,New Delhi. The program was organized by GOPIO-Delhi/NCR Chapter President Dhiraj Ahuja.
 Photo above: GOPIO-Delhi/NCR Reception for H.R. Shah (in dark suit in the middle) on April 13th at the Habitat Center. To his right is MEA Secretary Dnyaneshwar Mulay. GOPIO Chapter President Dhiraj Ahuja is the extreme left.
Contact: Dhiraj Ahuja, President, GOPIO Delhi/NCR Chapter, Tel: +91 9717112272, E-mail: d.ahujagopio@gmail.com
GOPIO-SYDNEY NORTHWEST SUPPORTS NEEDY STUDENTS IN INDIA
The GOPIO Sydney North West chapter who had earlier provided basic amenities to disadvantaged children in Punjab and Haryana will now support the students of Sainik Institute, Hoshiarpur.
GOPIO Life Member Mr Harmohan Singh Walia of the GOPIO Sydney NW chapter conducted a seminar on "Personality Development, Job Hunt and Interview Skills and Quality Education" at the Sainik Institute at Hoshiarpurin February 2017 organized by Col. (Rtd) Dalvinder Singh, Campus Director and Prof. Parminder Kaur Saini. Such seminars were conducted earlier also by Mr Walia with the students of Punjabi University, Patiala and Sainik Institute, Hoshiarpur.
Mr Walia also provided financial help to seven needy students of the Sainik Institute on behalf of GOPIO Sydney NW chapter.
This seminar addressed the need for deserving but financially strained students to develop their academic, interpersonal and communication skills in order to have successful careers.
Photo above left: Harmohan Singh Walia's visit to Sainik Institute, Hoshiarpur, from l. to r.: Mrs. Neelam Walia, Mrs. Manbeen Walia, Harmohan Singh Walia, Col. (Rtd) Dalvinder Singh (Campus Director) & Prof. Parminder Kaur Saini (Head of Department, Computer Science). Photo right - Harmohan Singh Walia conducting a seminar Sainik Institute, Hoshiarpur.
GOPIO-SUVA CHAPTER LAUNCHED
The GOPIO-Suva (Fiji) chapter was launched in Suva on March 19th, 2017.
At the inauguration, GOPIO Oceania International Coordinator Suman Kapoor emphasized how this organization has created awareness and promoted understanding of the issues of People of Indian Origin (PIO) and Non-Resident Indians (NRIs).
Minister for Education Dr. Mahendra Reddy stated that GOPIO has nurtured ethnic bonding and has fortified the integral bond between India and its Diaspora.
Photo above: Mr. Anil Sharma from the Indian High Commission, Mr. Vinod Patel, Mr. Vimal Deo, Mr. Viswas Sapkal (High Commissioner of India to Fiji Islands, Mr. Mahendra Reddy (Fiji Education Minister), Mr Ramesh Chand (President, GOPIO Suva Fiji), Mrs. Suman Kapoor (International Coordinator, Oceania), Mr. Vishal (Director of studies)
Contact: Ramesh Chand, President, GOPIO-Suva (Fiji), Tel: +6799346067, Email: r.chand@gone.go
GOPIO SYDNEY PRESENTS A CHECK TO INDIAN SUPPORT CENTER
Mr. Subbarao Verigonda, President of Indian Support Center (ISC), was honored by GOPIO Sydney, NSW to recognize this organization's work to combat Domestic Violence. GOPIO, Sydney had adopted "Domestic Violence as its annual signature event, GYAAN 2017.
At a ceremony, Verigonda was presented with a check for $1,500 that had been raised by GOPIO, Sidney. This ceremony was attended by representatives of GOPIO Sydney and ISC, along with prominent community members including Balvinder Ruby, President, GOPIO Sydney and others.
While appreciating the help received from GOPIO, Sydney, Verigonda, spoke about the services that ISC offered and the road map ahead of them. Mr. Ruby presented trophies to the volunteers for their work to promote this cause. A male victim of domestic violence also shared his experience and the help received by him from ISC.
FoxGI, a rare genetic disorder was also highlighted by Vivek Singa of FoxG1 who discussed the work needed to be done to combat it.
Photo above: Balvinder Ruby, Amarjit Dhot and Anju Kalra, President, Vice President & Treasurer respectively of GOPIO Sydney chapter presenting a cheque for $1500 to Subbarao Verigonda, President of ISC in recognition of their work for domestic violence.
The audiences were entertained by Shoba Inglesher who sang some Bollywood songs.
 Photo above: GOPIO-Sydney members present at the check presentation to Indian Support Centre (ISC)
Contact: Balvinder Ruby, President, GOPIO Sydney, E-mail: info@balvinderruby.com.au
GOPIO EXPANDING IN THE WASHINGTON DC AREA
After establishing the latest chapter, GOPIO's Washington, DC Area Coordinator Jay Bhandari is launching GOPIO-Baltimore, GOPIO-Montgomery County, GOPIO-Frederic/Germantown and GOPIO-Wilmington, DE. Those interested to participate or get involved in GOPIO may contact as follows:
Contact: Jay Bhandari, Washington DC Area Coordinator, Tel: 301-254-4679, E-mail: jay_bhandari@hotmail.com
|
| NRIs AND PIOs ACHIEVE | |
PRESIDENT TRUMP NOMINATES INDRANIL CHATTERJEE TO FEDERAL REGULATORY COMMISSION
Indian-American, Indranil Chatterjee (Neil), an advisor on energy policy to Senate Majority Leader, Mitch McConnell, has been nominated by President Trump to be on the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC).
Chatterjee has played an integral role as a liaison to the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, the Committee on Environment and Public Works and the Committee on Agriculture, Forestry and Nutrition.
He began his career in Washington, D.C. as a Capitol Hill staffer with the House Committee on Ways and Means. Before joining Sen. McConnell's staff in 2009, he was a Principal in Government Relations for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association and an aide to House Republican Conference Chairperson, Deborah Pryce.
Chatterjee hails from Lexington, Kentucky and is a graduate of St. Lawrence University and the University of Cincinnati College of Law.
INDIAN AMERICANS NAMED FELLOWS OF NATIONAL ACADEMY OF INVENTORS
More than 20 Indian-Americans have been elected as Fellows of the National Academy of Inventors (NAI).
Election to NAI Fellow status is the highest professional distinction accorded solely to academic inventors who have demonstrated a prolific spirit of innovation in creating or facilitating outstanding inventions that have made a tangible impact on quality of life, economic development, and the welfare of society. They were nominated for outstanding contributions in areas, such as patents and licensing, innovative discovery and technology and their significant impact on society.
The NAI Fellows include B. Jayant Baliga of North Carolina State University, Sarit B. Bhaduri of the University of Toledo, Pallab K. Bhattacharya of the University of Michigan, Raghunath V. Chaudhari of the University of Kansas, Suman Datta of the University of Notre Dame, Kanad Ghose of Binghamton University SUNY, Surya K. Mallapragada of Iowa State University, and Raghunath A. Mashelkar of the National Innovation Foundation-India.
Additional Fellows include Lakshmi S. Nair of the University of Connecticut, Shrikanth S. Narayanan of the University of Southern California, Paras N. Prasad of the University at Buffalo-SUNY, Ragunathan Rajkumar of Carnegie Mellon University, Sudeep Sarkar of the University of South Florida, Mrityunjay Singh of the Ohio Aerospace Institute, Kamalesh K. Sirkar of the New Jersey Institute of Technology, Ponisseril Somasundaran of Columbia University, Sidlgata V. Sreenivasan of the University of Texas at Austin, Madhukar L. Thakur of Thomas Jefferson University and Anil V. Virkar of the University of Utah.
The 2016 Fellows will be inducted on April 6, 2017 as part of the sixth annual conference of the NAI at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum in Boston, Mass.
NAI president, Paul Sandberg while welcoming them to the Academy, felt that these Fellows exude innovative excellence and was pleased recognize their remarkable contributions to discovery and invention.
NRI APPOINTED TO TOP MILITARY POST IN KYRGYZSTAN
Indian-born Sheikh Rafik Mohammed has been appointed major general of Kyrgyzstan.
Rafik left Kerala, his home state for Mumbai and later travelled to the Middle East where he worked in the UAE, Iran, Saudi Arabia and Kyrgyzstan. While developing a major plant in Iran, Rafik met the former Kyrgyzstan President, Kurmanbek.
After selling his successful project to the Iranian government, Rafik went to Kyrgyzstan and presented a similar project to Kurmanbek who at that time was a governor preparing to contest presidential elections. After Kurmanbek won the election, he appointed Rafik as his chief adviser.
Rafik developed wide network of friends in Kyrgyzstan, which has witnessed a rapid flow of foreign investment and reversal of a socialist mode of development to a capitalist mode of production.
While there are many successful business tycoons in this region, this is probably the first time a Malayali has occupied a top military leadership of a foreign country.
ROHIT CHOPRA RECOMMENDED TO SERVE AS US FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSIONER
Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer has nominated Indian-American, Rohit Chopra to serve as a commissioner in the Federal Trade Commission.
Currently, Chopra is a Senior Fellow at the Consumer Federation of America, where he leads the organization's research and advocacy on consumer protection in consumer finance and higher education. Earlier, he served as Special Adviser to the Secretary of Education.
Before joining the Education Department, Chopra was among the first employees at the new Consumer Financial Protection Bureau in 2010. As the Assistant Director, he served on the leadership team and worked on behalf of students and young consumers.
He was named as the agency's first student loan ombudsman in 2011, where he led the agency's efforts to modify loans for delinquent student loan borrowers and secured hundreds of millions of dollars in refunds for borrowers who were victimized by unlawful conduct.
Chopra has a BA from Harvard College and an MBA from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. He is also the recipient of a Fulbright Fellowship to South Korea.
INDIAN AMERICAN TEENS WIN TOP THREE SPOTS AT NATIONAL BRAIN BEE CHAMPIONSHIP
Indian-American teenagers shone at the National Brain Bee Championship, Baltimore, MD. Sojas Wagle, Aarthi Vijayakumar and Amit Kannan brought honor to the Indian-American community by securing the top three places.
This competition was sponsored by the Department of Neural and Pain Sciences of the University of Maryland Dental School. The contestants were tested on the functioning of the human brain, intelligence, emotions, memory, sleep, vision, hearing, sensations, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, schizophrenia, addictions. It also involved a neuroanatomy laboratory practical exam with neurohistology and brain MRI imaging identification.
Wagle, a sophomore at Springdale's Har-Ber High School will now participate in the International Brain Bee Championship that will be held in Washington, D.C. His interest in the contest was prompted by his study of an Advanced Placement psychology course, last year. Besides a monetary prize, Wagle also received a, eight-week internship in a neuroscience laboratory. A donation is also given to the brain disorder charity of his choice, which is the Alzheimer's Association.
Dr. Norbert Myslinskiwho founded the International Brain Bee felt that it motivates students to learn about the human brain and motivates them to seek careers in the basic and clinical neurosciences to help treat and find cures for brain disorders.
INDIAN AMERICAN ARUN KUMAR NAMED CHAIRMAN AND CEO OF KPMG, INDIA
Indian- American Arun Kumar has been appointed as the Chairman and CEO of KPMG, India.
Kumar brings a wealth of international leadership experience to KPMG India, including his tenure in public service in the United States for the past three years as Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Global Markets and Director General of US and Foreign Commercial Service in the Obama Administration. He has also worked to strengthen commercial ties between India and the United States and played a key role in establishing the India-US Strategic and Commercial Dialog.
Kumar stated that he was impressed by the world-class talent of the employees of KPMG, India. He now looks forward to building an organization that is recognized for its quality and for the impact it will have on their clients.
INDIAN AMERICAN MOHINI JAIN CONTRIBUTES TO JAIN STUDIES AT UC-RIVERSIDE
A philanthropist of Indian origin, Mohini Jain, has made a grant of $1.5 million to the University of California (UC) Davis to advance studies in Jainism.
The gift establishes the Mohini Jain Presidential Chair for Jain Studies in Department of Religious Studies as part of an effort to position UC Davis as a leader in the study of Indian religions and the interdisciplinary field of South Asian studies.
The chair will be awarded to a scholar with a well-established record for creative, exceptional and interdisciplinary research on Jainism. As a member of the religious studies department, the holder of the chair will help develop curriculum and offer graduate courses in Jainism, as well as contribute to the development of religious studies of Indian and South Asian at UC, Davis by participating in community outreach.
Earlier, Ms Jain was a research scientist at UC, Davis in the 1980s and then served as a high school science teacher for 19 years.
Archana Venkatesan, chair of the Religious Studies department and associate professor of Religious Studies and Comparative Literature, stated that this gift would further diversify and strengthen expertise in world religions.
NEW YORK GOVERNOR ANDREW CUOMO APPOINTS JENNIFER RAJKUMAR AS DIRECTOR OF IMMIGRATION AFFAIRS
Jennifer Rajkumar has been appointed Director of Immigration Affairs and Special Counsel for the New York Department of State by Governor Andrew Cuomo. The appointment of Ms. Rajkumar, a Civil Rights attorney and Democratic political activist, is particularly vital at a time when immigration is a crucial issue for the Trump administration.
The successive travel bans on immigrants and refugees from certain countries, and an increase in attacks on minority immigrants, are some of the issues that Ms. Rajkumar will be addressing.
Ms. Rajkumar has been involved in Civil Rights cases for several years at the law firm Sanford Heisler LLP and has taught Immigration Policies at City University of New York's Lehman College. She works with the Office of New Americans that has helped more than 120,000 immigrants on issues such as, naturalization, training, language learning, etc.
Ms Rajkumar, a graduate of Stanford Law School and the University of Pennsylvania, feels that Indian-Americans and South Asians have done so well in the fields of medicine, finance, technology that they need to emerge in the government space and to drive change through the government.
|
| NRIs and PIOs NEWS FEATURES |
|
GOPIO TRIOLET NORTH MAURITIUS PRESIDENT KRITILATA RAM HONORED AS AMONG 100 MOST INFLUENTIAL WOMEN IN MAURITIUS
Mrs Kritilata Ram, President of GOPIO-Triolet North has been nominated as one of the 100 Most Influential Women in Mauritius. Kritilatawas nominated in the field of Social Enterprise and Charity for her humanitarian work among the poor and vulnerable people of the district of Pamplemousses, for the last 34 years. She has worked to integrate disabled children into society and has achieved this by founding a school, Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Disability Services Centre, for these children in her village of Triolet. The demands of holding a senior government post has not deterred Kritilatafrom spearheading other philanthropic projects, such as educating the parents of these children and organizing seminars and workshops to tackle the problems of drugs, alcohol and cigarettes. By organizing activities for fund raising, she has sensitized the community on issues, such as healthy eating for a healthy lifestyle and coordinated leisure and sports activities for the children. Kritilatahas also helped to empower women and elderly people by providing them with adequate food and shelter.
Being nominated to the '100 most Influential Women' is an opportunity for Kritilatato share her experiences in the field of social work and to empower others to engage in this field.
Photo above: GOPIO-Triolet North Mauritius Chapter Kriti Lataram among 100 Most Influencial Women in Mauritius,March 2017
Dr. Harrish C Bheemul, Chief Executive of Train to Gain Group Publication Innovate has listed the contributions of the other PIO nominees to the 100 Most Influential Women in Mauritius, in their respective fields. They are:
Politics: Dr Mrs Ameenah Gurib-Fakim President of the Republic of Mauritius, Mrs Santi Bai Hanoomanjee, speaker of the National Assembly.Mrs Dookun Luchoomun Leela Devi, Minister of Education, Human Resources
Social Enterprise and Charity: Mrs Pooran Anooradah, Mrs Ragoojane,Mrs Anuradha Devi Nunkoo, Mrs Mooneeram Roshni,Mrs Sheila Baguant,Mrs Pravita Bamma.
Arts, Entertainment and Fashion: Alleck Nirveda, Aubeeluck Nalini, Bhangeeruthee Tejsree, Routho Nirusha
Business and Entrepreneurship: AubeeluckSeegoolamRheema,RamdewarEmrithShemida,BheemulVashinee
Economic Development, Finance and Technology: Deelchand Priya, Rajmun Lilowtee, Ram Gopal Doorgawatee, Sewpal Pratima
Education, Training, Research and Consultancy: Miss Bangaleea Anjali, Daby Mansa, Jagarnath Hardowar Namita, Jooty Nishta, Juwaheer Thanika, Mohee Romeela, Seetulsing Goorah Sharmila, Ramluggun Essoo Priya
Health Governance: Bhuttoo Manorama, Jagatsing Beehuspottea Radhika, Ramdawon Reena, Sookmoulla Norina
Media and Communication: Patten Pamela, Puryag Vedita, Ramgulam Anju, Thacoor Pria, Seebaluck Lekha
Youth and Sports: Ramburrun Divya ,Rajaysur Vanisha, Valaydon Shalinee
|
|
NEWS OF INTEREST TO NRIs AND PIOs AROUND THE WORLD
|
|
USCIS TEMPORARILY SUSPENDS PREMIUM PROCESSING FOR ALL H-1B PETITIONS
Starting on April 3rd, 2017, the USCIS has temporarily suspended premium processing for all H-1B petitions. This suspension may last up to 6 months. While H-1B premium processing is suspended, petitioners will not be able to file Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing Service for Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, which requests the H-1B nonimmigrant classification. USCIS announced that it will notify the public before resuming premium processing for H-1B petitions.
USCIS has reached the congressionally mandated 65,000 visa H-1B cap for fiscal year 2018. USCIS has also received a sufficient number of H-1B petitions to meet the 20,000 visa U.S. advanced degree exemption, also known as the master's cap.
The agency will reject and return filing fees for all unselected cap-subject petitions that are not duplicate filings.
USCIS will continue to accept and process petitions that are otherwise exempt from the cap.
INDIAN PASSPORT HOLDERS WITH US VISA OR GREEN CARD CAN ENTER UAE FOR A PERIOD OF 14 DAYS
The UAE Cabinet has approved a decision to grant Indian passport holders with either a valid US visa or a green card a visa on arrival.
The decision comes within the framework of the long-term strategic partnership between the United Arab Emirates and the Republic of India, the promotion of political, economic and trade interests between the two countries. This decision strengthens the UAE's external relations by facilitating the visa issuance process in order to confirm its global status as a tourist and economic hub.
Under the new move, ordinary passport holders from India who have a US visa or green card with a minimum six-month validity can enter the country from any point of entry for a period of 14 days, with an option for a one-time extension of the same period.
India is the UAE's second largest partner, and trade between the two countries reach $60 billion a year, with UAE exports to India amounting to $27 billion a year, while India exports to the UAE is valued at $33 billion.
India invests around $70 billion in the UAE via its 45,000 Indian companies, while the UAE invests around $10 billion in the energy, metallurgical, service, technology and construction sectors in India. There are also a number of joint ventures and investments by UAE companies in India such as the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, Abu Dhabi National Energy Company, Emaar, and DP World, which currently operates in six major ports in India.
There are around 143 daily flights between cities in both countries, one flight every 10 minutes, or 1000 flights per week. The number of Indian tourists coming to the UAE in 2016 reached about 1.6 million Indian tourists, and there were about 50,000 UAE tourists who visited India in the same year.
|
| GOPIO LIFE MEMBERSHIP AND CHAPTER FORMATION | |
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 2/3 of 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 with people of Indian origin all over the world. If you do not have a chapter in your city, please visit the GOPIO website (www.gopio.net) and get details of chapter initiation (visit http://www.gopio.net/chapter_initiative.htm). This 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 - Dr. Thomas Abraham, Stamford, Connecticut, USA, Tel: +1-203-329-8010, E-mail: gopio@optonline.net
GOPIO President - Niraj Baxi, San Jose, California, USA, Tel: 408-307-9845, E-mail: president@gopio.net
GOPIO Executive Vice President - Noel Lal, Sydney, Australia, Tel: +61 417448293, E-mail: evpgopio@gmail.com
GOPIO Vice President - Ram Gadhavi, Wayne, New Jersey, USA, Tel: +1-973-699-8582, E-mail: ram@gadhavi.net
Execuitve Trustee of GOPIO Foundation - Inder Singh, Tarzana, California, USA, Tel: +1-818-708-3885, E-mail: indersinghusa@gmail.com
GOPIO's Global Ambassador - Sunny Kulathakal, Bahrain, +973-39441956, India +91-9845756692, E-mail: kulathakal44@gmail.com
|
|
|
| EDITORIAL BOARD | |
|
Chief Editor: Dr. Thomas Abraham, Chairman, GOPIO International (Stamford, CT, USA), (Stamford, CT, USA)
Editor: Nami Kaur, GOPIO Media Council Chair (New York, USA)
Associate Editors: Layla Matthew (Bangalore, India), Ila Rosengarten (Denver, CO, USA) and Harry Walia (Australia)
Webmasters: Ishwar Ramlutchman (International Coordinator for Africa, Durban, South Africa), Jhairam Persaud (President, GOPIO-Upper New York), Dhiraj Ahuja (Presuident, GOPIO-Delhi/NCR Chapter), Mehen Poinoosawmy (President, GOPIO Paris Nord, France),Vasu Pawar (President, GOPIO Inland Empire Chapter), Barginder Sodhi (President, GOPIO-Berlin Chapter), Balvinder Ruby (President, GOPIO Sydney), Jay Bhandari (GOPIO Washington DC Area Coordinator), Kritilata Ram (President GOPIO-Triolet North Mauritius)
GOPIO NEWS welcomes NRI/PIO related stories from all over the world. Be a volunteer correspondent or reporter.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
GOPIO's first chapter the DC area, GOPIO-Wash. DC Capital was inaugurated in 2003 by the late President Dr. K.R. Narayanan. A second chapter, GOPIO-Virginia was launched in 20210 (see