GOPIO NEWS

November 5, 2013

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

GOPIO BUSINESS COUNCIL HOSTS INDIAN BUSINESS DELEGATION TO THE USA

To further enhance the growing bilateral trade and investments between the USA and India and to seek more opportunities in manufacturing sector, the Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO International) partnered with the Indian Consulate in New York, Alliance for US India Business (AUSIB) and CSpace, Inc. to hold a series of intensive meetings with a carefully selected delegation of Indian businesses and counterparts in various US cities. The prime objective is an interface between Indian and American organizations in the fields of: business development and economic cooperation; technology collaborations and ventures; explore trade and investment opportunities; potential investment in the USA to expand operations in North America. Leader of the delegation was K. K. Birnale.

The program schedule included New York (CitiBank, New York State Legislature), New Jersey (New Jersey State Legislature), Washington DC, Pennsylvania, Ohio and Michigan. Between October 10th to October 20th, business conferences and engagement meetings were held in Indian Consulate in New York followed by visits in the various US cities.

On Sunday, October 13, members of GOPIO Business Council, Regional New Jersey Chapters and GOPIO International hosted an interactive breakfast meeting with Indian Business Delegation in New Jersey. GOPIO's attendees included Ashook Ramsaran, Jaswant Mody, Mahendra Pratap, Gary Mahabir and Dr Asha Samant. It was decided that, at conclusion of the trip to the USA with information gathered, the delegation would determine specific needs (manufacturing, export, partnerships, etc) and collaborate with GOPIO's Business Council to ascertain where and how best to direct and match those needs among the GOPIO chapters and contacts in the USA; organize an India-USA team to coordinate these efforts - 3 members from GOPIO and possible GOPIO chapter in Pune, Maharashtra by returning NRIs or blood relatives of NRIs.

Photo above: GOPIO officials with Indian Business Delegation

GOPIO VIRGINIA JOINS THE WASHINGTON DC INDIAN COMMUNITY TO WELCOME DEPUTY CHIEF OF THE INDIAN TARANJIT SINGH SANDHU

More than 200 people of from the Washington, DC Indian community attended a reception to welcome Deputy Chief of the Mission Taranjit Singh Sandhu, Indian Embassy under the banner of National Council of Asian Indian Associations and coordinate by GOPIO Virginia President Jay Bhandari. This was the first ever reception in which such a large crowd gathered to honor a DCM. There were Hindu, Muslim, Jain, Christian and Sikh present in large numbers.  Virginia State Senator Chap Peterson and Virginia State Delegate Mark Keam were special guests. Program was Emcee by TV Anchor Nilima Mehra.

Several members of T.H.I. S Group (The Hospitality and Information Services for Diplomats) and UNO were among the attendees.

GOPIO Virginia President Jay Bhandari, who was also coordinator of the program delivered the welcome speech and told the audience that Mr. Sandhu is a professional, intelligent and expert diplomat who played a significant role in getting the waiver from the sanction from US Congress after the Nuclear Test by India. Another achievement was to open the Indian Embassy in Ukraine after the break-up of Soviet Union. He proved himself a problem solver. Other speakers were Sunny Wycliffe, Ashok Batra, Dr. Ramsingh, Nagender Madavaram, Sunil Singh, and Ambassador Harswarup Singh and Jasdeep Singh.

VA Stage Delegate Keam and Senator Chap Peterson mentioned the important role played by Indian community in Virginia economy and asked Indians to come forward to become delegate, senator and governor even president. Community veteran leader Dr. Sambhu Banik introduced the DCM Sandhu elaborating his achievements and responsibilities assigned to him.

In his speech DCM Sandhu emphasized on Indo US relationship and asked Indian American community to get active role in strengthening the relationship. He also told that Prime Minister's recent visit to US was successful and India and the US will work together in strengthening the strategic partnership including education, technology, investment, security and entertainment.

Sandhu said "Our future belongs to our relationship, it has a commercial and economic value and the US companies are investing in India and Indian Companies are investing in USA in many field including Education, innovations and research."

"I am already seeing Indians being elected to political leadership and I ask Indian community to involve more in political process to achieve key positions in different departments in MD, VA and other states and also as congressman, senator and governor," added DCM Sandhu

Coordinator and Vice President of NCAIA Jay Bhandari also present the plaque (memento) to the DCM Mr. Sandhu. And flower was presented to him by Tresa Wycliffe.  A prominent singer Anshu Sharma presented a famous Gazal and Hana Khan presented a Classical and fusion dance. Vote of thanks was given by Satish Gupta. Program ended with Gourmet Indian Dinner.

Photo above: From L to R Sunil Singh, Virginia State Senator Chap Petersen, Coordinator Jay Bhandari, DCM Mr. Taranjit Sandhu, Suresh Gupta and VA Delegate Mark Keam

18th ANNUAL MAHATMA GANDHI PEACE MARCH IN NEW YORK

The 18th Annual Mahatma Gandhi Peace March was organized in Richmond Hill, New York on Sunday October 6, 2013 by the Federation of Hindu Mandirs, Inc.. The march is organized to promote and celebrate the teachings and values of the Mahatma, and is one of the more popular community events in Queens, New York, USA. This year, as the Amman Tassa Band provided lively Indo-Caribbean rhythms, the marchers were led by Pandit Narayan Bhaya Lachana, in the role of Gandhiji, and he brought the likeness of the Mahatma to life with his calm and spiritual persona. Gandhiji was followed by Dharmacharya B. Rishi Misir, President of the Federation, and members or their representatives of New York City's political elite. Naidoo R. Veerapen, North American Cultural Co-Chair of GOPIO Cultural Council of the Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) and General Secretary of the Federation of Hindu Mandirs, Inc. was a member of the organizing committee and emcee for the event.

Participants marched along Liberty Avenue with banners proclaiming their support for the Mahatma's philosophy of peace and non-violence, and placards with timely quotes from Gandhiji's speeches and writings. The march concluded at the Arya Spiritual Center's Ground at 133rd Street where a very tasteful cultural program was staged. This year the march included members of the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People), whose regional Director Ken Cohen, also spoke on the cultural program and brought greetings from the parent organization whose most prominent leader, the Rev Dr. Martin Luther King, was a disciple of Gandhiji. GOPIO's International President, Mr. Ashook Ramsaran, who marched with the Upper NY Chapter of GOPIO, also spoke laudably of the example of humility and brotherliness set by Gandhiji. In addition to the Federation of Hindu Mandirs, NAACP and GOPIO, other participating groups included the Brahma Kumaris, the Richmond Hill High School, The Arya Spiritual Center, and The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISCON).

There was also a large contingent of independent marchers. Participating in the event were NYS Senator James Sanders Jr, NYS Assemblyman Mike Miller and NYC Mayor Bloomberg's Community Affairs representative, Ido Shargal. In addition to the grand cultural display, which featured the excellent talent of the Richmond Hill Indo Community, a Mahatma Gandhi Peace Prize (a marble bust of Gandhiji) was presented to a prominent community advocate Dr. Dhanpaul Narine, a school teacher and journalist from Richmond Hill, whose lifestyle was inspired by that of the Mahatma. Deputy Consul General of India to New York, Dr. Devyani Khobragade, brought greetings on behalf of the Government and people of India and participated in the presentation of the Mahatma Gandhi Peace Prize. Gandhiji's granddaughter, Ela Gandhi, sent a message from South Africa and paid homage to her grandfather and his famous disciple, the Reverend Martin Luther King Jr., and their work to promote peace and freedom, stating "So in remembering these two great leaders of our time let us unite across the globe with that love that binds us as human beings and living creatures on this earth. In spirit we are with you."

Another high point of the event was the Gandhi Peace Lecture, which was presented this year by youthful D'Indra Forgenie, an Assistant District Attorney in Brooklyn and Pace University Law Professor. Ms Forgenie spoke of the motivating influence of the Mahatma on working class Indo Caribbean's, who responded to Gandhiji's call for us all to "look beyond our present circumstances". In her words, "One of the lessons of Gandhi's life is to live meaningfully", and generations have since then found a reason to live. At the conclusion of the event, Naidoo Veerapen remarked that "The Federation of Hindu Mandirs, Inc. is heartened by the response to the 18th Annual Gandhi Peace March as we all strive to be Gandhis in our own way!"

 Photo Above: Gandhi Peace March by GOPIO Upper New York

FIRST INDIAN AMERICAN TO SERVE AS CIRCUIT COURT JUDGE

Trailblazer Sri Srinivasan was sworn in as judge of the second most powerful court of the United States, making him the first Indian American to be on the bench of the US Courts of Appeal for the District of Columbia Circuit. He is the first South Asian American to serve as a circuit court judge in American history.

Gursharan Kaur, the wife of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, was present on the occasion when Chandigarh-born Srinivasan, 46, was sworn in by Justice Sandra Day O'Connor.

His appointment is a testimony to his credibility and caliber as a brilliant legal luminary of the US. Srinivasan was previously the Principal Deputy Solicitor General of the United States.

He is a highly-respected appellate advocate who has spent a distinguished career litigating before the US Supreme Court and the US Courts of Appeals, both on behalf of the United States and in private practice.

YUSUFFALI MA, THE MOST POWERFUL INDIAN IN THE GULF

Abu Dhabi-based businessman Yusuffali MA emerged as the most powerful Indian businessman in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries for the fourth time in a row in a '100 most powerful Indians' list announced by Arabian Business magazine.

Yusuffali, who owns the Lulu Hypermarkets chain of stores, took the top slot ahead of food giant Feroz Allana. Standard Chartered Bank's Middle East chief operating officer V Shankar came third, ahead of healthcare boss and owner of UAE exchange BR Shetty. Venture capitalist Ragu Kataria secured the fifth spot and Dubai-based lawyer Ashish Mehta ranked seventh. This year's list also featured a record 11 female entries.

The contribution of the Indian community to the growth of the GCC has been nothing short of spectacular, and everyone on this list has played and continues to play a major part in that story.

THREE INDIAN AMERICANS AMONG AMERICA'S 400 RICHEST

Three Indian-Americans figure among America's 400 richest people. Topping the Indian-American list was Florida outsourcer Bharat Desai and family with a net worth of $2.2 billion in the 252nd position. He was followed California software manufacturer Romesh T Wadhwani with a net worth of 2.1 billion. California venture capitalist Vinod Khosla was ranked 352 with a net worth of $1.5 billion.

The combined wealth of the Forbes' 2013 ranking of the richest people in America is $2 trillion, up from $1.7 trillion in 2012 and the highest ever, due in part to the strength of both the US stock and real estate markets.

BRITISH INDIAN RAMI RANGER IS NAMED 'THE DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR 2013'

Indian-origin Dr. Rami Ranger MBE, FRSA, Managing Director of Sun Mark Ltd has won the prestigious Institute of Directors (IOD) 'Director of the Year 2013 - Large Company' for the UK. The Directors from North Ireland, Scotland, Wales and England were competing for this top award.

Rami was judged to be the best of all the regional winners with the combination of his high ethical standards, consideration for the welfare of the company's staff and focus on customer satisfaction was an outstanding combination which set him apart from the rest. The achievement was made even more impressive given that the competition was amongst the best in Britain.

The award was presented by. Rt. Hon. Michael Portillo, former Defense Secretary in the Conservative Government. Rami's company, Sun Mark Ltd has also won the most coveted British Business Award from Her Majesty the Queen, The Queens Award for Enterprise in International Trade, for an unprecedented 5 consecutive years and in the process has made British business history. No other British company has received this accolade.

OBAMA NOMINATES ARUN KUMAR FOR KEY POST IN THE US COMMERCE DEPT

President Obama announced his intent to nominate an Indian-American financial consultant to a key post in the US Commerce Department. The President plans to nominate Arun M. Kumar, a former partner at the international financial consulting firm KPMG, as assistant secretary and director general of the United States and Foreign Commercial Service in the International Trade Administration at the Department of Commerce.

From 2005 until his retirement in September 2013, Kumar led KPMG's West Coast Finance Management Consulting practice. He also led the firm's US-India practice from 2007 to 2013.  He has also served as a member of the Board of Governors of the Asian School of Business, Trivandrum and is a member of the board of TiE Silicon Valley. He also served as a member of the Advisory Council at Stanford University.

Kumar received a B.Sc. in Physics from the University of Kerala, India, and an S.M. in Management from the Sloan School of Management, Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

INDIAN AMERICANS DANCER TO KEY ART POSITION

US senate has confirmed noted Indian-American Bharatanatyam exponent Ranee Ramaswamy as a member of the prestigious National Council on the Arts for a five-year term. The National Council on the Arts advises the chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts, who also chair the council, on agency policies and programs.

Ramaswamy, who has been a disciple of Alarmel Valli, one of India's greatest living masters of Bharatanatyam, founded the Ragamala Music and Dance Theatre in 1992 at Minneapolis, Minnesota. She started popularizing this classical Indian dance form in the US since then.

Ramaswamy has worked with celebrated artists such as poet Robert Bly, jazz musician Howard Levy and legendary composer and violinist L. Subramaniam. Among her many grants and fellowships are 13 McKnight Artist Fellowships, a Bush Fellowship, and an Artist Exploration Fund grant from Arts International.

In 2011, she was chosen as the McKnight Foundation Distinguished Artist. Ramaswamy and co-Artistic Director Aparna Ramaswamy were named the 2011 Artist of the Year by the Minneapolis Star Tribune.

INDIAN AMERICAN SCIENTIST GETS FUNDING FOR CANCER RESEARCH

Scientist Suresh Mathivanan researching in the field of cancer will receive $17 million fund from the US medical science funding body. La Trobe University in Victoria, Australia, is the only institution outside America to take part in research of and receive funds from the US National Institute of Health (NIH).

Mathivanan is heads a team of ten biochemistry researchers. He will take part in a program aimed to advance critical research into a recently discovered way by which cells in our body communicate with each other via Ribonucleic acid (RNA), the single strand cousin of DNA.

"The special form of RNA being studied in the NIH project - known as extracellular RNA or exRNA - travels around the body in little packages called exosomes, and plays an important role in the way cells regulate and express genes. One potential application of these exosomes is in targeted gene delivery to treat cancer," said Mathivanan.

INDO-CANADIAN SCIENTIST GETS TOP CANADIA AWARD

Sunita Vohra, an Indian-origin scientist has been named this year's recipient of a prestigious Canadian award that recognizes excellence in complementary and alternative medicine.

Director of Canada's first academic pediatric integrative at the University of Alberta medicine program, she was named the winner of the $250,000 Dr. Rogers Prize. The Dr. Rogers Prize carries the largest cash prize of its kind in North America.

Clinician scientist Vohra said that she didn't have specific plans for the money other than she would use it to help get the kind of research she does out of books and into policy that makes changes in the world.

The $250,000 Dr. Rogers Prize for Excellence in Complementary and Alternative Medicine is awarded every two years to celebrate the achievements of researchers, practitioners and others in the field of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) healthcare. The prize is funded by the Lotte and John Hecht Memorial Foundation in Vancouver.

TWO EIGHT-GRADERS WIN BROADCOME MASTER ENGINEERING AWARDS

Mihir Garimella of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and Sidhika Balachander of Gainesville, Florida won top two places in the Engineering category of The Broadcom MASTERS (Math, Applied Science, Technology, and Engineering for Rising Stars) awards presented by the Broadcom Foundation and Society for Science & the Public.

Mihir's project on digitally recreating smells stemmed from video calls with his grandparents in India, which let him see, but not smell, what he is missing. He made a short movie which linked specific scents to particular moments and then connected five microchip-based air fresheners to a microprocessor and modified their circuitry so they would respond to signals sent via computer that could command scents to be released at a precise moment in the clip. So when an ad for a cinnamon roll came on the screen the device would release a cinnamon scent. For his project, he was awarded $3,500 to attend a STEM-related summer camp of his choice.

Sidhika's project on soundproofing compared soundproofing and aesthetic qualities of various materials. She tested materials such as roofing tile and tapestry by placing speakers in a box and measuring the amount of sound that was absorbed. Her prize for second place was a $2,500 scholarship and an iPad. She plans to use the scholarship to attend science camp.

The program helps middle school students translate a personal interest into a passion for science, engineering and innovation, and encourages them to continue studying science and math through high school. The winners were chosen from the 30 top finalists, who represent the top tier selected from thousands of nominees.

BRITISH INDIAN SUJIT NAIR ACHIEVES WOLRDWIDE ACCOLADE AS DIPLOMATIC COURIER AND YPFP RECOGNIZES HIM WITH THE '99 UNDER 33'

Sujit S Nair, FRSA, Co-founder/ Director of British South India Chamber of Commerce has been recognized on the 2013 "99 Under 33," an international list noting the most influential foreign policy leaders under the age of 33. He is the only Indian citizen to make the list.

The '99 Under 33' recognizes the distinctive impact each of the honorees has on his or her community today and their promise of potential as a leader in the future. This list uniquely offers insight into the creativity, determination, and passion of the diverse young people who are already tackling the world's critical global challenges. By design, this list is broad and diverse, which reflects the belief that foreign policy in the 21st century is made by leaders from all sectors.

Because of Sujit's efforts various stakeholders are aware of the enormous opportunities between the UK and India. Through British South India Chamber of Commerce, Sujit created regular dialogue between British and South Indian businesses interested in utilizing British expertise and its world-class technology involvement in the Infrastructure, Waste Management, Education, Low Cost Housing in Urban and Villages, Power & Energy and IT Projects coming up in the South Indian states and also for Indian companies who want to tap opportunities in UK.

THREE INDIAN AMERICANS STUDENTS AMONG 20 DAVIDSON FELLOWS

Ankita Ghoshal, Aashna Mago, Ajay Krishnan, Vaibhav Vavilala and Vinay Sriram are among 20 students selected as 2013 Davidson Fellows last month. 

The program offers $50,000, $25,000 and $10,000 college scholarships to students 18 or younger who have created significant projects that have the potential to benefit society in the fields of science, technology, engineering, mathematics, literature, music and philosophy, according to a press release from the Davidson Institute.

Ankita who received $25,000 scholarship for her project titled 'Sustainable 100w Portable Generators for 24/7/365 Power Demand' studies at Princeton University and is majoring in chemical and biological engineering.

Aashna also won $25,000 scholarship for a project on 'A Novel EZH2 Histone Methyltransferase Inhibitor: Potential Advancement in Epigenetic Cancer Therapy'. She is considering a major in biology with a focus in molecular and cellular biology while also exploring more unfamiliar areas, like computer science and 'Symbolic Systems', an area of study at Stanford that encompasses artificial intelligence, cognitive science, and the human-computer interface.

Ajay received the $10,000 scholarship for 'Optimizing the Microbial Fuel Cell-Microbial Electrolysis Cell Coupled System for Sustainable Hydrogen Gas'. His dream career would be to develop efficient and environmentally-friendly energy technologies to help make our planet more sustainable.

Vinay is a rising senior in the accelerated science, mathematics, and computer science magnet program at Poolesville High School and plans to major in either computer science or electrical engineering in college. His project titled 'Quantitative Modeling of Processing Cost and Energy Consumption for Cryptographically Enhanced Secure Internet Routing Protocol', won him a $10,000 scholarship.

Also winner of the $10,000 scholarship for 'Neural Networks: Raising the Storage Capacity Production, Electricity Generation, and Improved Wastewater Treatment', Vaibhav is planning on studying computer science.

PIO APPOINTED AS THE ACTING COMMISIONER OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN REVENUE SERVICES (SARS)

South African PIO Ivan Pillay has been appointed acting head of the South African Revenue Service (SARS), where he was a Deputy Commissioner since May 2010. 

As a member of the Executive and executive accountable for enforcement and compliance risk over the last 13 years, Ivan has helped to shape, implement and develop SARS compliance policies. His commitment is to contribute to the establishment of a capable that responds efficiently and effectively to its citizens and residents. One of his responsibilities is assuring the security of SARS and the integrity of its personnel.

Ivan was a political activists and doing work in few civil society organizations since 1971 before joining the underground African National Congress in 1975.

He went into exile in 1977 joining the armed wing of the ANC, Umkonto we Sizwe (Spear of the Nation), the South African Communist Party and the South African Council of Trade Unions.  

Ivan participated in the national liberation struggle and the Convention for a Democratic South Africa (Codesa) negotiation process to end apartheid. He was a member of the interim administration under the Transitional Executive Council of the country prior to the 1994 elections.

After 1994, Ivan played a role in the amalgamation process of the civilian intelligence services which resulted in the formation of National Intelligence Agency and the South African Security Services, where he served from 1995 to 1999

SARS is the revenue service (tax-collecting agency) of the South African government. It was established by legislation to collect revenue and ensure compliance with tax law. Its vision is to be an innovative revenue and customs agency that enhances economic growth and social development, and supports South Africa's integration into the global economy in a way that benefits all citizens.

The current Minister of Finance (Treasury Sec in the USA, Chancellor of the Exchequer in UK), PIO Mr Pravin Gordhan was SARS Commissioner 1999-2009, appointed under President Thabo Mbeki. Pravin was appointed by President Jacob Zuma as Finance Minister in May 2009 & holds this position to date.

GLASGOW SCOTCHES A TALE OF 1^ST SIKH COUNCILOR, £3.8M GURUDWARA

Billionaire entrepreneur Sohan Singh, who had brought the Queen's baton from India to Scotland last year, is the first Sikh to be elected to Glasgow as the city's councilor. He ran the elections on Scottish Labor Party in 2012. He now sits on Glasgow's CWG committee as its member.

Sohan, who had spent his childhood and adolescent years closely with iconic Communist leader Harkishan Singh Surjeet in Punjab, brought Scotland's first Kabbadi team to the Kabbadi World Cup in India last year.

Not too far from Sohan Singh's offices, the Glasgow gurdwara, built at a cost of whopping 3.8 million pounds, has become a new spiritual home for Scotland's 50,000-strong Sikh population. The Gurudwara has now become the most expensive shrine in Scotland and the second highest in the UK. The Glasgow Gurudwara can accommodate 1500 worshippers at one time inside the hall.

SOUTH AFRICAN PIO WINS A JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR AWARD 

Viasen Soobramany won South Africa's Vodacom Journalist of the Year Award in the Editors Choice category.

Viasen was the sole candidate from the Independent Newspapers in KwaZulu Natal (KZN) and this prestigious title was also the first for his newspaper, the Post. 

Commenting on this young man's achievement, the Editor in Chief of Post, Mr Aakash Bramdeo said, "We are proud of Viasen. He has passion for journalism and is driven by the desire to make this world a better place. We wish him well in the national round, which will take place on 1 Nov in Johannesburg."

Viasen received this accolade for his series of stories on drugs affecting communities. It included police raids, clean-ups and addict rehabilitation which was published over several months. The a salient feature of this drug project was that it was a module designed by the Post and implemented in different areas of KZN, which  Viasen joined in 2011 and is passionate to get drugs of the streets.

The Post audience is mainly the Indian community and is published by Independent News and Media (South Africa) (SA) Limited. Of the four major national Indian aimed print media in SA, Post not only has the largest circulation, but is the only newspaper in the country that is growing in physical size, compared to others who are reducing theirs. The other three are the Tribune Herald, Sunday Times Extra and the magazine Sutra.

INDIAN AMERICAN-led team wins $525K NOKIA XCHALLENGE

Boston-based research incubator institute Nanobiosym Health RADAR, led by Dr Anita Goel, has been awarded the $525,000 grand prize in the first competition of the Nokia Sensing XCHALLENGE for its Gene-RADAR sensing technology enabling personalized diagnostic testing. Nanobiosym was selected from a pool of 26 competing teams from seven countries. A percentage of the final score was crowd-sourced through attendee votes at the Health 2.0 Conference in Silicon Valley, Calif.

The platform analyzes a drop of blood, saliva or other body fluid. Placed on a nanochip and inserted into a mobile device, it detects the presence or absence of a disease's pathogen in less than an hour, with the same accuracy available only in a diagnostic lab. The technology doesn't require overhead infrastructure, such as electricity or running water, and could be adopted by the developing world. 

The XCHALLENGE comprises two separate and consecutive competitions to advance innovative sensing technologies that capture meaningful data about a consumer's health and surrounding environment.

Nanobiosym has demonstrated applications for Ecoli and HIV/AIDS, with potential applications for diagnosis, monitoring, drug development, companion diagnostics and personalized nanomedicine. Goel was named as one of the world's 'Top 35 Science and Technology Innovators under the age of 35' by MIT Technology Review. She has also received the 'Global Indus Technovator Award' from MIT.

Goel has a PhD in physics from Harvard University, an MD from the Harvard-MIT Joint Division of Health Sciences & Technology, and a BS in physics from Stanford University.

FIRST INDO-ISRAELI COMPORATOR IN RAMLA, ISRAEL

Mr. Benny Benjamin, the candidate of the Indian Community in Ramla, has been elected as corporator to the Municipality of Ramla. It has due to the joint efforts of the community which hope that this spirit will spread throughout Israel and succeed in future in other cities as well and also on the national scale.

Yehoshua Naor, President, GOPIO Chapter Tel-Aviv (n2208n@netvision.net.il) d=sadui that this has been a great accomplishment for the smaller Indian community in Israel.

AN INSPIRING STORY OF A SUCCESSFUL PIO ENTREPRENEUR IN KENYA

This is about Berjeesh D Surty. He first moved to Nairobi in 1995, as the business head of Indian power equipment maker Thermax's African operations, he had no inkling that a decade and a half later, he would be a well-respected Kenyan businessman, running two very successful and completely diverse enterprises.

Surty is doing what he knows best, his company Spenomatic is in the business of sourcing, supplying and installing industrial boilers and water and effluent treatment plants across the East African market. "Today Spenomatic is the largest industrial boiler company in the region with an annual turnover of around $15 million, far ahead of all European competitors. The company has a year-on-year growth of 20-25%," says Surty, a first generation entrepreneur.

The initial investment was of about $5 million for just 20 acres under greenhouses. The company has made it among the top slots as rose exporters from Kenya, as well as the top 15 quality producers in the world.

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, Guyana-New York, USA), Nilofar Pardawala (Portland, Oregon, USA) and Kishor Kapitan (GOPIO Durban, South Africa)

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