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GOPIO NEWS
March 1, 2012
A Publication of the Global
Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO)
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Issue: XI-4 |
March 1, 2012 |
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NOTE: GOPIO News is a FREE bi-monthly
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GOPIO AND GUJARAT UNIVERSITY
ORGANIZE A SUCCESSFUL CONFERENCE ON 'INDIAN DIASPORA IN INTER LINKAGES AND
SYNERGY' IN AHMEDABAD
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Gujarat
University's Department of Study Abroad Program (SAP) and Global Organization of
People of Indian origin (GOPIO) jointly organized an international conference on
12th and
13th January,
2012 at Gujarat University Convention Center, Ahmedabad, India.
Another significant event took place on the eve of the conference with the
launch of GOPIO-Ahmedabad Chapter in association with SAP on January 11th.
Photo above:
GOPIO International members at GOPIO-Ahmedabad launch. From L. to R: Dr. Mohan
Gautam, Radha Krishan, Dhiraj Solanki, Sudha Parekh, Dr. Thomas Abraham,
GOPIO-Ahmedabad Coordinator Dr. Neerja Arun, Nirmal Singh and Chandu Patel.
The idea of
conference initiated two years earlier by GOPIO's former Academic Council
Chairman Dr. Jagat Motwani, who along with SAP Coordinator Dr. Neerja Arun, decided to design the conference which
would be based on the concept of impact of Indian Diaspora which has motivated
its homeland to map its history and factors for migration. Concerns for
economic, political, cultural and social engagements of Indian Diaspora have
been widely shown in the society. It also brought sociologists and researchers
to look into the process of migration and found themselves into pondering upon
the trends of Indian Diaspora.
The
considerable presence of Indian Diaspora in almost all parts of the world and
its insistence upon sending success stories back home in all spheres inspired
homeland India to connect with her Diaspora with renewed passion.
The conference
was divided into different themes and considerations. Mainly issues of
information and computer technology, infrastructure, education, research and
technology, finance and banking, spirituality, literature, art & culture that
need serious considerations of partnership with Indian Diaspora were
represented, shared and discussed. Policy-makers
with both domestic and internationalremittancesare
appreciating the two-way linkages between Diasporas and their home regions.
Hence possible participations from the stakeholders from both sides were
discussed with active participation in the proceeding.
The conference
had plenary, panel discussion and parallel sessions on following themes:
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Here and there: merging spheres
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Transforming the local with global initiatives
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Funders' agenda: pitching ideas for development
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Role of Indian Diaspora in re-conceiving and reconstituting faith in physical
and virtual places of spiritualism: India and Abroad
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Literary and cultural Concerns
As the pre-onset of the conference, Gujarat Chief Minister Shri Narendra Modi
declared at the Gujarat Session of PBD, Jaipur, India about the conference that
Gujarat University was going to create a bridge between its Diaspora and Gujarat
through this conference. He stated that, "Gujarat University is creating an
intellectual bridge through this international conference on Indian Diaspora for
its program of Diaspora with India".
On 11th January 2012 Chief Minister Modi
invited the GOPIO delegation at International Kite Festival and spent time
exclusively discussing the positive role of Diaspora and their potential
contributions to India and Gujarat in particular. Dr Thomas Abraham, Dr Neerja
Arun, Mr C. K. Patel, Ms. Sudha Parekh, Mr. Radha Krishnan, Mr Dhiraj Solanki
and Mr. Neil Patel, represented GOPIO and Gujarat University. CM Modi extended
his best wishes for the conference and gave his special message which was
included in the conference brochure. In his message, CM Modi said the conference
and GOPIO Chapter in Ahmedabad launch would become a conduit to deliver services
to the local community by utilizing resources from the Global Indian community,
functioning within the guidelines and for the objectives of GOPIO International.
"SAP and Gujarat University shall provide a major support and local mechanism to
provide a forum and an opportunity to network for NRIs, who are settling back in
India, NRI parents and those who have business, technology and educational
interest to reach out to NRIs," CM Modi continued in his message.
Gujarat Governor Dr. Shrimati Kamla also sent a message to the organizers
welcoming the launch of GOPIO chapter in Ahmedabad and hoped that the new
chapter would provide opportunities to share ideas and interests of common
interest with visiting NRIs and help in social, community and philanthropic
causes of the local community.
On Jan. 11th, 2012, GOPIO-Ahmedabad
chapter was launched for the first time in Gujarat in association with Gujarat
University (refer to GOPIO News, February 5th,
2012). GOPIO chapter and Gujarat University would be working towards achieving
the objectives and mission of GOPIO by creating a forum and opportunities to
network for NRIs and NRGs who are settling back in India.
The launch of the Gujarat chapter of Gujarat was well organized to coincide with
the two day international conference titled India Diaspora and Inter
Linkages and Synergy organized
by Gujarat University's Study Abroad Program (SAP) and GOPIO on Jan. 12th and
13th. Dr.
Neerja Arun, Director of the Study Abroad Program, Gujarat University; GOPIO
Founder President Dr. Thomas Abraham and Dr. Jagat Motwani of GOPIO Academic
Council were the organizers and chairpersons of the conference.
The conference was inaugurated on Jan. 12th at the Senate Hall by Mr. J. C.
Sharma, former secretary at the Ministry of External Affairs, and Gujarat
University Vice-Chancellor Dr. Parimal H. Trivedi, who was also the patron of
the conference. Mr. Sharma was the keynote speaker. Gujarat University Pro-Vice
Chancellor Dr. Mukul Shah and Registrar Minesh Shah were special guests.
The inauguration session was well attended by the Diaspora and local guests. The
program started with welcome address by Dr. Neerja Arun who spoke on the Study
Abroad Program of Gujarat University which has currently 237 students at its
campus. She also spoke on the university's thrust on Indian Diaspora studies
with several post graduate students enrolled in this program. The conference was
inaugurated by lighting of the lamp by Mr J.C. Sharma, Vice Chancellor Trivedi,
Dr. Thomas Abraham and Pro-Vice Chancellor Dr. Mukul Shah.
Photo above: GOPIO-Gujart Unviersity Indian Diaspora Conference Inauguration
with Singing of the Indian National Anthem, From L. to R.: Dr. Neerja Arun, Dr Mukul Shah, Dr. Thomas Abraham, Dr.
Parimal H Trivedi, J C Sharma, Mr Minesh Shah, Paavan Pandit,
Urmi Satyan
At the inaugural address, Mr. Sharma reiterated the need to understand the
vastness and timely importance of contribution of the Indian Diaspora. He gave
the examples of Chinese Diaspora and their roles in homeland development and
also insisted that PBD should not remain a get together function.
Vice
Chancellor Trivedi reiterated the importance of Gujarat University interacting
and networking with the Indian Diaspora. He said that the organizations such as
GOPIO can help Gujarat University increase the number of foreign students and
help from academics in the US and other countries to serve as post graduate
students' advisors.
Dr. Abraham
presented a history of the overseas Indian movement and how GOPIO started
playing a role in campaigning against human rights violations of Indians
worldwide. He further said that human rights issues are not the major thrust for
GOPIO and that the organization is playing an important in pooling professional
and financial resources of NRIs and PIOs for common good of the Indian Diaspora,
countries of their origin and India.
Photo Above:
GOPIO-Gujarat University Conference Inauguration Group - GOPIO Life Members,
overseas delegates, dignitaries and organizers
The conference
felicitated many community activists who have made their impact and considerable
contribution in the field of Indian Diaspora. The following personalities who
were present at the conference were facilitated during the inaugural session:
GOPIO Founding Members Dhiraj Solanki, Sudha Parekh, Radha Krishnan and Nirmal
Sinha; Chandubhai Patel, Chairman, NFIA Foundation, USA; Dr Kavita Sharma,
Director, India Intl. Ctr.; Mr. Sunil Nayak, USA and Mr. Neil Patel, FIA
Columbus, USA.
The plenary session after the inauguration was on the theme 'Indian Diaspora
Linkages'. The session was chaired by Mr Chandubhai Patel wherein the speakers
were: Dr. Kavita Sharma, Director Indian International Center in New Delhi and
Dr. Thomas Abraham of GOPIO International. Dr. Sharma provided an academic view
of the Indian Diaspora migration and how Indian can benefit from them. Dr.
Abraham spoke on how GOPIO has been providing a platform and networking
opportunities to the Indian Diaspora communities as to engage them with India
and in the process mobilize Diaspora's professional and financial resources to
benefit India. His presentation further brought out GOPIO's role in the Indian
Diaspora movement and discussed mutual expectations between NRIs/PIOs and India.
The plenary session was followed two parallel sessions with Session A chaired by
Prof. Bipin Sagankar of USA and Co-chaired by Mr. S L Wickramasinghe. In this
session Mr. Issar G Totlani, Vice President of NRI parents Association in
Vadodara spoke on 'Concern of NRI Parents Association Towards Indian Diaspora'.
In this session, Mr Jagat Motwani's paper 'Education and Diaspora - Tagore on
Hindu Concept of Education' was read by Mr. Paavan Pandit. Dr. Mukesh Bagoria
gave his views on 'India's Linkages with Its Diaspora: A case study of Indian
Diaspora in USA.' The second parallel session was chaired by Mr. Nirmal Sinha.
Among the speakers were, Prof. Mohan Gautam of The Netherlands who spoke on
'Europe Experience of Education.
Another session witnessed a discussion over issues related to cultural diversity
and communication. Speakers included Dr. Abraham; Mr Nirmal Sinha, former
president of FIA Columbus and former director of National Federation of
Indian-American Associations (NFIA); Mr Chandubhai Patel and Neil Patel, an NRI
who is running as a candidate for Ohio State Senate.
The panel discussion on the theme 'Here and There - Merging Sphere' was chaired
by Mr. J C Sharma with Mr Neil Patel as Co-Chair. The participants of this Panel
Discussion were Dr. Kavita Sharma, Mr. Nirmal Sinha and Dr. Neerja Arun. There
were two parallel sessions under the theme 'Here and There - Merging Spheres.'
The first session was chaired by Dr. Sanjeev Sharma, Prof. & Head, Political
Science, Meerut University and co-chaired by Ms. Lalita Joshi of Prasar Bharati.
In this session Dr. Vijyalaxmi Chari (Professor and Reader, S.D. School of Commerce, Gujarat University ) and Ms. Nirali Pandit (Gujarat
University) shared their views on 'Diaspora and Business Linkages' while Dr.
Neerja Arun delivered her views on 'Connecting spiritually.' She reiterated the
role of Indian Diaspora in spreading spiritual identity of India in more
constructive manner.
Photo below: Panel on Merging Spheres. from L. to R.: Dr Rajiv Ranjan
Rai, Dr. Khyati Joshi, Sudha Parekh, Dr. Arundhati Bhattacharya
Photo above: Session on Indian Diaspora
Linkages, from L. to R.: Lalitha Joshi, Dr. Sanjeev Sharma, Dr. Neerja Arun,
Dr. Vijayalaxmi Chari and Nirali Pandit.
The second session was chaired by Ms. Sudha Parekh, a veteran community activist
from New York. The first paper in this session was, 'Extension of Homeland
Civilization and Flow of Indian Traditions towards Transnational Locations:
Emerging Sacred Spheres in Mauritius Indian Diaspora' by Mr Rajeev Ranjan Rai
(Asst. Professor of Diaspora Studies at Mahatma Gandhi Antarrastriya Hindi
Vishwaidyalaya, Wardha, Maharashtra). Dr. Khyati Joshi (Associate professor of
Education at Fairleigh Dickinson University, USA) presented her views on 'Role
of Religion in Indian Diaspora' where as Dr. Arundhati Bhattacharya (Assistant
Professor and Head of Political Science Department, Bhairab Ganguly College,
Kolkata) spoke on 'Marriages with Non-Resident Indians and Its Repercussions'.
The Last paper in this session was presented on 'Indian Cinema; windows of
Nostalgia and adaptation for Diaspora' by Shailendra Kumar.
The final session for the first day was a plenary Session which was chaired by
Dr. Supriya Agrawal and included guest speaker Mrs. Sandhya Sinha (Chairperson,
Women's Political Forum, India and a Small-Scale Industry Entrepreneur) who spoke on the theme
'Position of Women and Diasporic Influence'.
The first day conference concluded with a magnificent performance classical
Indian music by Saptak School of Music from Ahmedabad.
Day Two started with Kite Flying at the vast field of the university outside
convention center. The first Plenary Session for the day started at 9.45 a.m.,
chaired by Dr. Thomas Abraham under the theme 'Funders' Agenda-Pitching ideas
for development.' In this session Dr. Prabhakar depicted his views on 'SRI
project' in Kerala, while Mr. K. Narahari Rao (Assistant General Manager of the
State Bank of India), spoke on investing opportunities with India and its Banks.
Dr. Chirag Shah (Director, Department of Hematology. Oncology, Stem Cell
Transplant, Apollo Hospital, Ahmedabad) spoke on possible funding for medical
temples. He said that each religion talks of charity and in Indian philosophy we
take body as a temple.
"Its high time now that people start donating for medical temples in India and
such initiatives shall bring quality and abundance in treatments in cancer
treatment," said Dr. Shah. Dr. Shah also informed how ill served was the medical
field due to the lack of people and funds and expertise in medical fields. Under
this session and theme, the last talk was presented was by Nirmal Sinha, a
community leader from the U.S. He spoke on the efforts of the Indian Diaspora in
research initiatives.
Photo below: Session on Pitching Ideas for Development, from L. to R.: Nirmal Sinha, Dr. Chirag Shah, Dr
Thomas Abraham, Mr. Rao, Prabhakar from SRI
Photo above: Session on Funder's Agenda, from L. to R.: Prof. Bipin
Sagankar, Dr. M. K. Pandey, Dr. Indira Nityanandam, Dr. V. Chari, Dr. Swati
Kapadia, Dr Naresh Kumar
The next session's theme was 'Synergy' and was chaired by Dr. V. Chari. The
speakers were Dr. M. K, Pandey, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Overseas Indian
Affairs and Prof. Bipin Sagankar of the U.S. Dr. Pandey gave a detailed account
of Government of India's initiatives towards the Diaspora.
As per the schedule, two parallel sessions were held on this theme, 'Synergy.'
The session in Hall "A" was chaired by Dr. Indira Nityanandam (Principal, S.R.
Mehta Arts College, Ahmedabad). Panelist Dr. Nisheeth Rai spoke on
'Conceptualizing and Developing Diasporaism'. According to him term
'Diasporaism' (as socio-cultural, politico-economic religious networks with
homeland) describes a condition in which, despite great distances and
notwithstanding the presence of international borders (and all the laws,
regulations and national narratives they represent), certain kinds of
relationships persist towards homeland which have been intensified globally in
virtual and real world.
The second presentation was on 'Prevalence of Diabetes in the Indian Diaspora:
Successful Community-Based Prevention and Management Programs in India' by Dr.
Thakor G. Patel (Adjunct Associate Professor of Medicine at the Uniformed
Services of the Health Sciences in Bethesda, Maryland) who had served the U.S.
Navy for 23 years and is currently in Sevak Project of American Association of
Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI). He presented detailed data on the global
burden of diabetes mellitus which is more pronounced in India and migrant Asian
Indians as they have high rates of type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and related
complications in the United States. The presentation further described the
higher prevalence of T2DM among 1038 randomly selected Asian Indian immigrants
in the U.S (17.4%), and 1082 Indians in India (8.4 % and 13.6% in rural and
urban Indians, respectively). The prevalence of metabolic syndrome, using the
International Diabetes Federation criteria, was 38.2%, 39.2% and 10.5% among
U.S. Asian Indians, Urban Indians and rural Indians respectively. Results
provided evidence that rural Indians have significantly lower rate of diabetes,
pre-diabetes, and obesity as compared to urban Indians and immigrant Asian
Indians in the US.
Dr. Swati Kapadia (Bhavan's Sheth R.A. College of Arts and Commerce) depicted
her views on 'Indian Diaspora and Indian Classical Music'. She said that Indian
classical music travelled abroad to widen its range of audience with its native
masters who started performing on the foreign land. Slowly and gradually, some
of the masters migrated to foreign lands and became a part of the Indian
Diaspora. She brought out the evolution of Indian classical music in the West,
assessed the target audience, i.e. (1) the Indian Diaspora and (2) the
mainstream West. Focusing on the increasing taste for Indian classical music,
Kapadia spoke on the role of Indian Diaspora in the development of Indian
classical music in the West and giving a new shape to Indian classical music by
fusing it with the West. With Indian Diaspora, the Indian classical music has
acquired not only a new identity in India as well as in the West; it has entered
the canon of globalization with a global appeal.
The second parallel session in Hall "B" was chaired by US community and
political activist Niranjan Patel and co-chaired by Mrs. Vaishali Padhiar
(Development Officer, Gujarat University). In an interesting presentation, Dr.
Z. N. Patil (Prof. and Head of English Department, English and Foreign Language
University, Hyderabad) portrayed his vision on 'Legitimating New Varieties of
English'. According to Dr. Patil, the global spread of English has generated
varying perspectives on the nature and functions of its acculturated varieties.
Broadly speaking, the debate has divided scholars into two camps holding
diametrically opposing views on the multiple versions of English. On the one
hand, some scholars view variations as symptoms of linguistic degeneration and
deterioration; on the other hand, some scholars legitimize them as inevitable
manifestations necessitated by the demands of the new cultural contexts. In this
session Dr. Sanjeev Sharma presented the paper of Ms. Reshmi Ramdhony of
Mauritius 'Mere Aankhon mein basa sheher: Banaras.'
Another panelist Dr. Geeta Patil talked on the theme: 'Here and There: Writing
Formation and Transformation of National Consciousness.' Her views concluded
that literature is not only the community of national sentiment but also a way
where writers can present splits and contest earlier narratives to present
alternatives. Not only does literature write nations into being; but it also
re-interprets and re-directs them. Literature has a space for different
directions, clash, fall and strive to continue.
Photo above: GOPIO-Gujarat University Diaspora Conference organizing team. From
L. to R.: Sahil,
Ravjit, Aarif, Sudha Parekh, Dr. Neerja Arun, Dr. Thomas Abraham, Bhavesh, Hiral
and Urmi Satyan
The post luncheon session started with a plenary session at under the theme
'Virtual and Spiritual places' was chaired by Ms. Sandhya Sinha, a NGO activist
from New Delhi and Co-chaired by Dr. Anjana Sandheer (Poetess, Writer and
lecturer at Gujarat Vidyapith, Ahmedabad). A book 'Hindi Mein Bolo - Speak in
Hindi' by Dr. Sandhir was released at this session. This was followed with a
panel discussion, chaired by Mr. Ashok Motwani (GOPIO Life Member and Founder of
Diaspora network news) and on the theme 'Transforming Local with Global.' Under
this panel were Prof. Mr. M.K. Gautam of Netherlands, Ms. Sandhya Sinha and Dr.
Z.N. Patil.
Two parallel sessions followed with the theme 'Transforming Local with Global.'
The first was chaired by Dr. Rajeev Ranjan Rai. Mrs. Vishali Padhiyar
(Development Officer, Gujarat University), spoke on 'Networking for Global
Promotion of Handicraft of Gujarat.' In her paper, Padhiyar said that the
effects of cultural richness are reflected in the handicrafts of the country.
Various and diverse craft forms are accomplished in the different regions and
states of India depending on the traditions and values practiced by people.
According to Padhiyar, Gujarat is famous for its rich and diverse variety of
handicrafts. This traditional crafts, acts as a tool of source of livelihood and
income for lakhs of artisans especially women artisans in rural Gujarat. Gujarat
has more than two lakhs artisans engaged in different types and forms of
handicrafts. These artisans are organised in Self Helped Groups (SHGs), NGOs,
small enterprises, private companies, etc. However they lack an international
network to promote the rich handicrafts at Global level. This would not only be
an exercise in marketing but also a transmission of the rich traditional
Gujarati culture across the world. Globalisation refers to growing integration
of societies, economies and cultures around the world. As India opens up to
multinationals and liberalised market, it is not only the economies that meet in
the global market spheres but also the people and cultures, which brings a new
dimension to the multi-cultural setting. There is always a cross cultural
interaction between the local and the global. The Handicraft sector constitutes
a significant segment in the economy and is in demand in the western world.
The paper of Ms. Vidhya Rao "Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani" followed. According to
Rao, identity for any individual is always multifarious. One needs to change and
adapt to a constantly changing identity which varies according to one's
circumstances and needs. When we talk of an Indian identity there never can be
an exclusive or a singular identity. Hence, it is natural and a matter of
convenience as well that the specific Indian identity is invoked in certain
unequivocal contexts only. It is but natural that the Indian diaspora who
inherently possess collective identities will have a relevance and importance
depending upon their sensitivities. They are forced to do a tightrope balancing
act when they juggle between their various identities which, willingly or
unwillingly, are thrust upon them. The Indian diaspora has to specifically deal
with plurality of identities which grants them a sense of pride, a matter of
honour and a feeling of happiness. They are forced to make choices and attach
preferences to their micro and macro identities.
Panelist Ms. Supriya Agarwal depicted her views on "mobility, connectivity and
imagination in a multicultural world". According to Ms Agarwal, the movement of
people across national borders, referred to as international migration is viewed
as a global challenge for the present century. The mobility of capital and the
inevitable expansion of markets has brought about a change in economies,
territories, sovereignty and in turn affected imagination and creativity in the
world which has become multicultural. Ms. Agarwal explored the process of
defining and better understanding of the Diasporic phenomenon in relation to
identity, ethnicity and the expansion of the universal humanitarianism. The
concept of Diaspora in the new perception refers to complex multidirectional
flow of human beings, ideas, products and an interaction of culture, social
norms and values. As Avtar Brah has pointed out that the notion of home and
Diaspora is premised not merely on the power of nostalgia but is a process of
inclusion and struggle over the social regulation of belongings or as Benedict
Anderson had called "imagined communities" by enhancing the concept of the
diasporic phenomena. Ms Agarwal further focused on the Diasporic cultures upon
which multiple and diverse processes of identity and community are constructed,
producing narratives and discourses that reproduce and sustain relevant frames
of self-identification.
Dr. Naresh Kumar (Assistant Professor, Center for Diasporic Studies, Central
University of Gujarat, Gandhinagar) talked on 'Migration -Development Interface:
Policy Intervention and Role of Indian Diaspora Associations in North America.'
The second parallel session on 'Transforming Local with Global' was chaired by
Dr. Anjana Sandheer. Panelist Ms. Lalita Joshi talked about 'Media and
Diaspora.' Mr. Pranav Joshipura spoke on 'Bhopal: The tragedy from over". Bhopal
is the powerful play written by a well known Canadian Indian theatre exponent
Rahul Verma. The play is based on the 1984 Union Carbide disaster happened at
the city of Bhopal in Central India.
Dr. Siba Shankar Mohanty (Assistant Professor, Center for Diasporic Studies,
Central University of Gujarat, Gandhinagar) depicted his views on 'Crossing
the Kala Pani: The Neo-Slaves in the Caribbean'. The (harsh) space of the
indenture ships, plantation estates and plantation barracks in which Indian
indentured labours were exported (like cargos), worked and herded respectively
in the sugar colonies of the West Indies, and other parts of the world, and the
traumatic experience of these displaced migrants in these three sites stands as
the basic strands in the socio-cultural imaginary of these people. The itinerant
approach of the indigenous population towards their life and settlement, and
their unfamiliarity with hard work as required of the plantation estates, and
subsequently the abolition of African Slavery in the 1830s gave a severe blow to
the European industrial, commercial and imperialist ventures and expansion,
especially in the sugar plantations of the West Indies. With its huge destitute
population, stricken by drought and famine, India became a source of stable and
manageable labour force on plantations in the Caribbean, Mauritius, Fiji and
other parts of the world. The presence of British colonial administration in
India was an added factor that further speeded up the rate of migration of
labour force. The impoverishment, suffering, socio-cultural estrangement and
alienation, and destitution forced the people to take the difficult decision of
crossing the kala pani (dark waters of the sea), even at the risk of the loss of
the religion (for Hindus). There are estimates that during this period of
indentureship from 1830s to 1920s over one and a half million Indians went
overseas to the Caribbean, Fiji, Africa, Burma, Malaya, and the Pacific islands.
A concluding session was held where speakers for both sessions 'Funders Agenda'
and 'Transforming Local with Global' presented outcomes from the sessions.
Photo above left, from L. to R.: Dr. Anjan Sandhir's book Hindi Mein Bolo is
being released. From L. to R.: Dr. Sandhir, Dr. Thomas Abraham, Dr. Neerja Arun
and Dr. Mohan Gautam. Photo above right, Dr. Neerja Arun felicitated with GOPIO
memento, from L. to R.: Dr. M. K. Pandey,
Dr. Mukul Shah, Dr. Thomas Abraham, Dr. Neerja Arun
After this last session the international conference ended up with the
valedictory function. Dr. Mukul Shah, the Pro-Vice Chancellor of Gujarat
University was the chief guest and keynote speaker. With him the dais was shared
by Mr. M K Pandey, Dr Thomas Abraham, Dr Neerja Arun and Mr K H Patel. The
function ended with a success reward by all the participants present in the
function.
**
Watch the
inaugural session and the evening music program by Saptak School of at the
conference by clicking the following links:
Vice
Chancellor Prof. Parimal Trivedi Speaks at the Inaugural Session -
http://youtu.be/JUkc8bJCBPY
Former MEA
Secretary J.C. Sharma Speaks at the Inaugural Session - http://youtu.be/dpTOtv8nT-0
GOPIO Founder
President Dr. Thomas Abraham Speaks at the Inaugural Session - http://youtu.be/91Sx-MJfWIY
GOPIO Life
Member Chandu Patel being honored - http://youtu.be/nKAGk0XIpfA
GOPIO Life
Member Nirmal Sinha being honored - http://youtu.be/i7NC4En1nk4
Community
Leaders Sunil Nayak, Neil Patel, Sudha Parekh, Mohan Gautam
and Dhiraj
Solanki Are Being Honored - http://youtu.be/sqeeTXAuWRw
India
International Center Director Dr. Kavita Sharma being honored - http://youtu.be/hw8Re8FIkos
GOPIO Founder
President Dr. Thomas Abraham Speaks at the Session on
Indian
Diaspora Linkages - http://youtu.be/aAea9sXWPr8
Cultural
Performance by Saptak School of Music -
http://youtu.be/n0hLRZwvo64, http://youtu.be/40Lbtcl15VA, http://youtu.be/JFYyE5seOLo,http://youtu.be/jjVe0CnPsAg, http://youtu.be/52a1iZm2Vyk, http://youtu.be/JUkc8bJCBPY
Kite Flying Festival in
Ahmedabad, Jan. 11, 2012
Gujarat Kite
Flying Festival, Jan 11, 2012 in Ahmedabad. Cultural
Program - http://youtu.be/0qAq_27CFo0
Gujarat Kite
Flying Festival, Jan 11, 2012-Chief Minister Narendra Modi
Speaking - http://youtu.be/CvFyyGZ_MTc
Gujarat Kite
Flying Festival, Jan 11, 2012-Governor . Shrimati Kamla
Speaking - http://youtu.be/WdtksFwkgGE
Contact: Dr.
Neerja Arun, Coordinator, GOPIO Ahmedabad, Tel: +91-79-25600312/25600311 Fax:
+91-79-25601314, +91 9825012984 (cell), E-mail: drneerjaarun@yahoo.com
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GOPIO INITIATES GLOBAL GADAR
COMMEMORATION
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GOPIO is taking the initiative for a Gadar Centennial Commemoration for a global commemoration of
the upcoming 100th anniversary of the Gadar movement in
2013 involving various agencies, organizations and institutions. GOPIO has
developed tentative plans and would finalize these plans shortly after the
meetings of Centennial Commemoration Committee with invitations to all persons,
agencies, organizations and institutions interested in participating in the
upcoming centennial event(s) in 2013.
In 1913, the Hindustan Association of the Pacific Coast (USA) was started to
free India from the British serfdom. The association started publishing magazine
named Gadar to expose the British
imperialism and called upon the Indian people to unite and rise up against
British rule. The publication Gadar, over a period of
time, became well known among Indians and the Hindustan Association of the
Pacific Coast itself became known as the Gadar party. In 2003, the Global
Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO), the National Federation of
Indian American Associations (NFIA) and the Global Punjabi Diaspora jointly
organized the 90th anniversary of Gadar movement to pay
tribute to the pioneers, patriots and heroes of the Gadar movement.
The plans for the Gadar Centennial Commemoration include participation and
support of Office of the Prime Minister of India, Ministry of Overseas Indian
Affairs; Ministry of External Affairs, Ministry of Culture, UNESCO, State of
California, City of San Francisco, as well as Indian civic organizations,
institutions, groups and individuals. Plans include: Declare 2013 as the year of Centennial
Commemoration of Gadar Movement; Issue a suitably designed postage stamp
commemorating the Gadar Movement; Publish a historic Centennial Commemoration
book about the Gadar Movement, sacrifices of the Gadar Heroes, brief bio-data
(if available) of all the 48 martyrs and 69 Gadarites who were given life
imprisonment, for free distribution to libraries, schools, institutions and
organizations; Establish chairs in memory of the Gadar heroes in India and at
least one or more in the USA. Plans for Gadar Centennial Commemoration 2012/2013
include: Gadar Centennial Commemoration per city: Forum in several cities in
USA, Canada, UK, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, India, with a finale in San
Francisco with a fitting memorial as a lasting tribute to the Gadar heroes.
Contacts: GOPIO Chairman Inder Singh @ gopio-intl@sbcglobal.net; GOPIO
President Ashook Ramsaran @ Ramsaran@aol.com.
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INDIAN AMERICANS HAVE TO FILE
NEW FORM ON FOREIGN ASSETS |
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With effect from 2012, the IRS has introduced 'Form 8938 - Statement of
Specified Foreign Financial Assets' to be filed along with the income tax
return. That is, all those filing their tax returns of 2011 will have to include
Form 8938, if applicable to them. This form, which has already earned synonyms
like 'Son of FBAR' and 'FBAR Turbo,' will be in addition to the already existing
requirement of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts Report (FBAR) that must be
filed by June 30th each year.
The IRS is tracking foreign accounts in all countries, but thanks to recent
indictments of account holders in countries like Switzerland and India (several
HSBC India account holders have been indicted), there could be increased focus
on these countries.
Under the new riles, one has to report all your share holdings, mutual fund
holdings, ULIP and insurance policy holdings, pension plans and bank balances in
India.
Specified foreign financial assets do not include physical assets such as gold
and real estate. However, if gold is held in the form of ETFs, it would be
included as specified foreign financial asset.
The reporting thresholds that apply are as follows: - Unmarried taxpayers living
in the US: The total value of your specified foreign financial assets is more
than $50,000 on the last day of the tax year or more than $75,000 at any time
during the tax year - Married taxpayers filing a joint income tax return and
living in the US: The total value of your specified foreign financial assets is
more than $100,000 on the last day of the tax year or more than $150,000 at any
time during the tax year - Married taxpayers filing separate income tax returns
and living in the US: The total value of your specified foreign financial assets
is more than $50,000 on the last day of the tax year or more than $75,000 at any
time during the tax year. - Taxpayers living abroad: You are filing a return
other than a joint return and the total value of your specified foreign assets
is more than $200,000 on the last day of the tax year or more than $300,000 at
any time during the year or you are filing a joint return and the value of your
specified foreign asset is more than $400,000 on the last day of the tax year or
more than $600,000 at any time during the year.
What is the due date for
filing Form 8939? Form
8938 must be filed along with your income tax return. For US tax year 2011, the
due date is April 17th 2012.
Form 8938 is in addition
to FBAR. In recent years, the IRS has increased its focus on
tracking offshore accounts for possible tax evasion. This new Form 8938 is just
one more measure in that direction. In short, today, if you are a US resident or
US citizen with bank and financial accounts in countries outside the US, you
will have several reports to file. Your US tax return, 1040, itself has
questions about your foreign financial interests in Schedule B. Then you have
this new Form 8938 that must be filed along with your tax return. And finally
you have the FBAR that must be filed by June 30th each year for the previous tax
year.
While Form 8938 itself is not very complicated, the filing process might be
cumbersome. For instance, while reporting share holdings in Indian companies in
Part II of form 8938, you would need to list each company's holding separately
giving details of not just the shareholding but address of the company,
dividends received and where you reported the income on your 1040. Consult a
professional to make sure you don't leave out any important details.
See detailed article in Times of India at http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/nri/us-canada-news/New-IRS-form-affecting-Indian-Americans/articleshow/11915264.cms
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GOPIO INTERNATIONAL AND
CHAPTER NEWS
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CARING AND SHARING CHARITY
DINNER HOSTED BY GOPIO-SYDNEY NORTH WEST EARS WINTER CLOTHES FOR UNPRIVILEGED
SCHOOL IN GURDASPUR
With an overwhelming support from the people of Sydney, more than 250 guests
attended GOPIO Sydney North West's Caring & Sharing Charity Dinner Night on 24th December
2011 at Sapphire Function Centre, Auburn. Over $2500 was raised by the event and
these funds will be used to purchase winter clothing and fans for every
classroom for the kids in Govt. Middle School in village Ganja, District
Gurdaspur, India. Last year also, GOPIO Sydney North West had provided warm
clothes, shoes and hand pump for clean drinking water to help underprivileged
school kids of Govt. Middle school, village Warra-Pohwindia, Zira, Distt.
Ferozepur, India.
The program at Caring & Sharing Charity Dinner started with Vande Matraum by
Sunanda Sharma while other attractions were songs performances by Rajesh Batra,
Meena ji, Arun Joshi, Bhangra dance by two teams namely Platinum Entertainment
and Rooh Punjab Di, humorous shayari by Harmohan Singh Walia, skit by Ravi &
Raj, Bollywood dance, DJ Disco Waves and abundant food from Sapphire Function
Centre. Tambola winnings were the other highlights of the event. Thanks to
Rajesh Batra's skillful control of numbers.
Photo above: Bhangra Dancers at the fundraiser
Guests were welcomed by the chapter president, Neeru Singh. Aman Singh, Neeru
Singh and Harinder Kaur delightfully managed the stage and their commentary was
applauded by all. Raj and Ravi effectively managed the guest list and their
seating arrangement. Harmohan Singh Walia, Prof. Balkar Singh Kang, Baljit Singh
Pelia, Harminder Singh along with the rest of the team worked tirelessly to make
this event a great success.
GOPIO Sydney North West team heartily congratulated & thanked sponsors and
honored them with trophies.
Photo Above: GOPIO Northwest Fundraiser organizers, from L. to R. Prof. Balkar
Singh Kang, Ravinder Singh, Neeru Singh, Harry Walia, Harinder Kaur, Rajvinder
Singh, Aman Singh, Baljit Pelia
GOPIO-Sydney North West also conducted its annual election on February 5th. The following are the new officers:
President - Mr. Ravinder Singh, Vice President - Prof. Balkan Singh Kang,
Secretatry - Ms. Aman Singh, Asst. Secretary - Mrs. Harinder Kaur and Treasurer
- Mr. Baljit Singh Pelia.
Contact GOPIO-North West:
Ravinder Singh, President, Tel: +61-433-179-303, E-mail:ravsingh.consultant@gmail.com or Aman Singh, Secretary,
Tel: + 61-433-512-519, E-mail:amandeepsinghnatt@hotmail.com
GOPIO HOLLAND CONFERENCE ON
ENTREPRENEURSHIP & MANAGEMENT
GOPIO of Netherlands is holding a 1-day conference on "Transformations in
Entrepreneurship, Management and Society" on March 17th 2012 at the Nyenrode
Business University in Breukelen, The Netherlands. The objective of the
conference is to bring together a diversity of women and men from various fields
of interest and areas, to raise awareness of the major global changes the world
is facing today and provide an opportunity to reflect upon possible solutions
for the New Economy. It will explore and focus on ways to realize a more civil,
empowered, sustainable and balanced society, in particular, the role women play
in the New Economy.
Keynote speakers will be Hon. Baroness Sandeep Verma of the House of Lords of
the United Kingdom, and Mr. Jos de Blok, a role model of Social Entrepreneurship
from the Netherlands. Hon. Verma is Lords Minister for Business, Innovation and
Skills (Higher Education), Equalities and Women. Mr. Jos de Blok, Founder of
Buurtzorg, will share how he has realized transformations in the Elderly Home
Care Industry through an innovative and sound business model in countries such
as Sweden, USA, Japan and China.
The PROGRAM for this Conference is planned as
follows:
Welcome & Registration
9:30-10:00: Keynote addresses
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Baroness Verma, Lords Minister for
Business Innovation and Skills, Equalities and Women and the Whip for the
Cabinet Office, Govt. of U.K.
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Jos de Blok, Founder of Buurtzorg
Nederland, Best Employer of the Year 2011 in the Netherlands
10:00-12:15: Morning
Session
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Opening address by Prof. Dr. Leen Paape, Dean Nyenrode Business University
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Introduction by Dr. Sharda Nandram, Professor
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Entrepreneurship, Women Committee, GOPIO Holland
Lunch
13:30-15:00: Afternoon Session
Transformational workshops on:
Work Life Balance
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New Perspectives on Entrepreneurship
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Entrepreneurship and Practical Advices
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Leadership and Enterprising Behavior
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Empowerment and Practical Advices
15:30-16:30: Reflection
& Closing
Drs. Rajindre Tewari, GOPIO International, Regional Coordinator Europe
Confirmed Workshop Speakers:Annette
del Prado, MHD, Lic; Drs. Danny Sandra; Drs. F?lice van Hooff; Prof. Dr. Ir.
Iteke Weeda; Jozef Badal, Consultant; Mahesvari Autar, Journalist; Marjon
Steenbeek, Trainer;Drs. Piet Lagerwaard; Shanta Bhikharie, Trainer; Drs. Sheela
Vyas; Sherita Narain, MSc in Law; Tanja Jadnanansing, MSc in Law; Tineke
Cieraard, Trainer; Vipin Moharir, MBA.
Moderator: Ir. Manish Dixit, GOPIO of Rotterdam
Conference Fee: 60 Euros
Contact: Ilse
Dannen (Event Coordinator) +31(0) 26-369-1109
conference.gopio.holland@gmail.com (website: www.gopioholland.nl)
GOPIO WOMEN'S COUNCIL
COLLABORATING WITH UN WOMEN ORGANIZATION
Following the
initiative by GOPIO President Ashook Ramsaran who met with United Nation's Women
Organization (UN Women Org) in New York, GOPIO Women's Council chairperson Suman
Kapoor (New Zealand) is collaborating with Ms Mitushi Das of Strategic
Partnerships Division (SPD) of UN Women Org. GOPIO is exploring steps towards a
mutually
supportive, collaborative and beneficial partnership between UN
Women and GOPIO as it continues to monitor and address critical issues faced by
women primarily in the Indian Diaspora. These
include shared interests of UN Women's platform, outreach and
objectives as well as GOPIO Women's Council agenda while exploring possibilities
for increased outreach and advocacy.
GOPIO Women's Council is planning a GOPIO conference on women's issues to be
scheduled later this year, and Ms Kapoor is collaborating with Rae Julian,
President of the UN Women National Committee in New Zealand. As a first step, UN
Women Org plans to provide
suitably qualified UN Women representatives to speak at the next event to be
held by GOPIO Women Council.
Contact for more details: GOPIO Women's Council
chairperson Suman Kapoor (New Zealand) atsumankapoor2002@yahoo.com
GOPIO SUPPORTS REVISIONS TO
ELECTORAL REDISTRICTING MAPS IN NEW YORK
GOPIO is actively involved in supporting meaningful and significant revisions to
the proposed redistricting maps for the State Assembly districts in New York
State, in particular the assembly district lines proposed by the LATFOR
Redistricting Task Force affecting the South Asian community of Richmond Hill,
Ozone Park and Woodhaven in Queens, New York. The consensus among community
leaders is that the proposed assembly district lines "would sever a contiguous,
compact, and cohesive community in 6 ways, thereby depriving us of fair,
equitable and effective representation of people with similar backgrounds and
interests, with shared culture, history, aspirations and community spirit. We
are a community of people with shared values and shared concerns, and we insist
on a singular district in order to maintain our community area intact socially,
culturally, economically and politically" according to a letter unified
community letter sent to New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo.
The revisions are fully supported by all segments and the entire cross section
of the community because of the adverse effects were it to remain as proposed.
GOPIO Upper New York chapter representative Naidoo Veerapen participates in the
planning meetings for the unified community group.At
a Redistricting Hearing held on February 7, 2012 at Queens Borough Hall, GOPIO
International President Ashook Ramsaran gave testimony for GOPIO's support of
the revisions, citing guarantees by UN Charter, the US Constitution and
precedence, stating that "it is critical to keep a unified, compact district
with natural and sensible boundaries; the demographics and population statistics
clearly confirm the need for retaining the community politically intact, and
provide the supporting means for its own representation at all city and state
levels".
Speakers from the South Asian & Indo Caribbean Community at February 7, 2012
Redistricting Hearing included: Darrel Sukdeo (AARI); Amrita Kilawan (FLS);
Rachana Shah (Taking Our Seat); Vishnu Mahadeo (RHEDC); Richard David (ICA);
Albert Baldeo (Attorney); Rohan Narine (TMM); Ashook Ramsaran (GOPIO); Ali Najmi
(SEVA); Kawal Totaram (Attorney); Mohamed Sidiq (Taking Our Seat); Jerry
Vatamalla (Asian Amer Legal Defence League); Anjali Chaudhry (Chhaya).
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NRIs/PIOs ACHIEVE |
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INDIAN AMERICAN AKSHAY DESAI
HAS BEEN APPOINTED TO KEY REPUBLICAN POST IN FLORIDA
Indian-American Akshay Desai has been appointed to a key Republican post in
Florida, making him responsible for the party's finances in this election year.
"In this election year we
need the resources for victory, and Dr Desai's long history of work for the
state and our party make him a proven leader," Republican Party of Florida (RPOF) chairman Lenny Curry
said in a statement.
Desai has been appointed to serve as the chairman of Finance Committee of the
Republican Party of Florida. Desai is currently the Chairman of the Board,
President and CEO of Universal Health Care Group, Inc and serves the health care
community through several associations.
A member of the Florida State Board of Education since 2007, Desai previously
served as a Member of Florida State Board of Governors from 2005-2007 and as
Commissioner and Chairman of the Health Committee on the White House Commission
on Asian Americans & Pacific Islanders from 2005-2008.
GULF COOPERATION COUNCIL
HONORS INDIAN DIASPORA BUSINESS LEADERS
Many MRIs and PIO's and were recognized at awards ceremony staged by "Arabian
Business" Middle East Magazine, along with Special "Trade
Relations Award" for India's
Consular General Sanjay Verma. INDIAN CEO AWARDS
organizers said "The contribution of Indian business leaders to the growth of
the GCC economies is unmatched, and tonight's awards are about rewarding the
right people, who between them have done so much to develop the region in a
number of fields.
EMKE Group founder Yusuffali
M A won the coveted Lifetime
Achievement Award at the
inauguralIndian CEO Awards, held at Dubai's
Armani Hotel. The Retail King was one of 16 leaders honored in the first
ever event to recognize the achievements on Indian Diaspora
Business Leaders. Yusuffali MAwas praised by the judges for
"having delivered over several decades an incredible company, incredible growth
and an incredible performance".
Other big winners on the night included Dr. B. R. Shetty (Chairman - NMC) from Abu Dhabi with
many achievements in Health Care. Earlier he has been honored with Pravasi
Bharatiya Samman Award and
GOPIO Community Service Award. Dr
Ram Buxani CEO and Stake
Holder of ITL was declared"Inspiring Business
Personality" of GCC.
Business Tycoon Vasu Shroff of Regal Group was recognized as "Philanthropist
of The Year". Founder of Nikai
Group Paras Shahdadpuri was honored for "
International Achievement" in
taking his brand beyond GCC on Asian Platform.
Standard Chartered boss V Shankar, who won Banking CEO of the Year, Apparel
Group boss Nilesh Ved (Fastest Growing Company), Sarah Belhasa (Female CEO of
the Year) were also recognized.
INDIAN AMERICAN DOCTORS WIN
RACIAL DISCRIMINATION CASE IN THE US
Three Indian American doctors, who were derogatorily called "the Indians" and
treated as "second-class citizens" by the CEO of a medical center in the US,
have won a racial discrimination case in a Texas court.
The US Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals found that Citizens Medical Center in
Victoria had violated the equal protection rights of the doctors. The court
ruled in favor of Ajay Gaalla, Harish Chandna and Dakshesh Parikh.
In February 2010, the medical center filed a resolution that would allow only
cardiologists with contracts at the hospital to exercise clinical privileges in
the cardiology department or part of the hospital's heart program.
The cardiologists fought back with a lawsuit stating they were being barred from
practicing not based on their merit and expertise, but because of economical and
racial reasons. This not only affected them, but their patients who were denied
the right to see the physician of their choice, according to the court
documents.
The hospital claimed the resolution was based on the doctors' disruptive
behavior and issues with Dr Yusuke Yahagi, a cardiovascular surgeon at the
hospital. Court documents also showed that the three cardiologists were
derogatorily referred to as "the Indians."
The cardiologists also cited a comment from David Brown, the hospital chief
executive officer, as saying the hospital was working on a plan for "getting the
Indians off the reservation." The cardiologists said the resolution hospital
placed violated their equal protection rights - and now the Fifth Circuit has
voted in their favor.
The three doctors said they were consistently treated like second-class
citizens, removed from committees and pushed out of laboratory posts
arbitrarily, or overlooked in favor of "less-qualified" cardiologists CMC hired.
For now, the case is in stay, or on hold, according to Monte James, the lead
attorney for the cardiologists. He expects the federal court will take it off
hold, and it will proceed to trial.
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NEWS OF INTEREST TO NRIs
AND PIOs AROUND THE WORLD
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MOIA BRINGS OUT BOOKLETS FOR
GUIANCE TO WOMEN DESERTED BY NRI SPOUSES
Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs has brought out booklets and pamphlets on
safeguards, legal remedies and whom to approach for redressing of grievances to
help women deserted by their non-resident Indian (NRI) husbands. The pamphlet
"Thinking of the marriage of your daughter with an NRI?" highlights precautions
for parents to take before entering into a marriage with an NRI man. The
booklet, 'Marriages to Overseas Indians', has specific information on safeguards
for women deserted by their NRI spouses, legal remedies they can avail of and
the authorities they can turn to for redressing of their grievances.
The government has also been providing legal and financial assistance to
deserted or divorced overseas Indian women. Now, the scheme has been revised to
help Indian women who have been deserted by their overseas Indian/foreigner
husbands or are facing divorce proceedings abroad. Government help is provided
to only to such a woman who has been deserted in India or overseas within 15
years of her marriage or her Indian/foreign husband initiated the divorce
proceeding within 15 years of their marriage.
Financial assistance will be limited to $3,000 per case in developed countries
and $2,000 per case in developing countries. The funds are released to the legal
counsel of the applicant or Indian community association or women's organization
or concerned non-government organization which assists the woman in preparatory
work for filing the case.
ROSHNI MEDIA RELEASES ROSHNI,
THE LIGHT OF SOUTH ASIA
Roshni Media announces the release of its second book, Roshni, the Light of South
Asia: North American Edition. Authored and published by Dr. Rashmee
Sharma, the book features 51 profiles, interviews and photos spotlighting first-
and second-generation Indian immigrants who have built their own success in the
United States of America and Canada. The book is available from Amazon.com, or
at www.roshnimedia.com.
A gala launch party
celebrating the book's completion was held Oct. 24, 2011 in New Jersey. The
event was attended by many of the luminaries honored in the book, along with
well-wishers such as Indian Ambassador Prabhu Dayal and New Jersey Assemblyman
Upendra Chivukula.
Roshni International has also inaugurated an e-mail newsletter, filled with
exciting updates on Roshni honorees, their families, their causes and passions.
Roshni, the Light of South
Asia: North American Edition expands
upon the tradition begun withRoshni,
The Light of South Asia in 2005,
which recognized 101 people of Indian origin who had been extraordinarily
successful in the United States alone. "The genesis of Roshni: The Light of
South Asia is an effort to demystify stereotypical perceptions of our community
and list inspirational heroes of our times...It's my hope via Roshni to reach
the first and future generations by building a bridge to communicate pride,
strength and sacrifice of the first generation immigrants. My intent is also to
focus on enlightening and making younger generation proud of our heritage and
culture," Dr. Sharma said.
Dr. Sharma has already begun
accepting nominations and interviewing future honorees for a Roshni Global book,
with a projected launch date of October 2012. A great gala will be held in India
to celebrate the book's completion. Nominations are accepted through www.roshnimedia.com.
Contact: Dr. Rashmee Sharma
at 201-665-2257 or e-mail info@roshnimedia.com.
BOOK ON INDIAN COMPANIES
EMPLOY OVER 100,000 PEOPLE IN THE US
Indian companies have invested more than $26 billion in the US in the last five
years and the IT companies employ more than 100,000 people in the country as per
Indian Ambassador to the US, Nirupama Rao. "As per our estimates, Indian IT
industry supports over 280,000 jobs indirectly out of which about 200,000 are
with US residents. Two-way trade in goods and services continues to grow
steadily reaching over $100 billion last year. The US businesses are becoming
strong partners in India's economic growth story; and Indian businesses are
creating value, wealth and jobs in the United States," she said.
BOOK ON INDIAN DIASPORA
ANNOUNCED
Prof. Parmatma Saran (Baruch College, City University, New York) and Prof. Rupam
Saran, AssociateProfessor(Medgar Evers College of The City
University of New York) along
with Dr. Thomas Abraham, Founder President of GOPIO International will edit a
new book titled People of Indian Origin: A
Global Perspective.
Prof. Saran has been doing work on Indians in America for a long time which has
resulted into publication of two books and more than a dozen articles. Thomas
Abraham is a keen observer of Indian Diaspora, his activism resulted in the
formation of Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO). Rupam Saran
has also been looking at the experiences of Indian population in the United
States. Her focus is in the area of education.
The editors are interested in articles from as many countries as possible with
an Indian population who left India forty-fifty years back ( Popularly known as
NRIs) as well as those whose forefathers had left generations back (Known as
People of Indian Origin known as PIOs). The main goal of this volume is to put
together a document which can be used as a source book for the understanding of
Indians abroad. The book will focus on the history of their migration, struggle,
adjustment and patterns of adaptation. In this attempt to capture their lives,
the papers should focus on their activities in the sphere of family, religion,
economics, politics and Indian organizations among others. It will be of
interest in seeing how the Indian Diaspora has been able to maintain its Indian
identity particularly those whose forefathers had left India.
Those who have done some research and writing on this topic may be interested in
contributing an article for this volume, especially from scholars with social
science background as well as those in community mobilization who are willing to
follow an outline and format provided.
Please write to Dr. Rupam Saran if you are interested in joining this effort.
Include biographical information along with a list of publications. If you have
any thought on this proposal, please feel free to share with the editors.
The editors are hoping to finalize a list of contributors in two months. Soon
after that a detailed outline and format to be followed will be shared with all
contributors.
Contact: Dr. Rupam Saran,
Tel: 516-487-2490 (USA), p.saran@verizon.net
INDIAN STUDENTS' CONCERN ABOUT
UNIVERSITY OF CANADA WEST
University Canada West (UCW) is an approved degree-granting institution in
Vancouver. Its MBA program, however, is not accredited by any of the three
biggest business school accreditation bodies in Canada. UCW's infrastructure,
Classrooms, offices, etc. consists of just four or five rooms in a commercial
building in central Vancouver. It had a campus in Victoria which was shut down
in March 2011 for financial reasons.
For Indian students, Canada is an excellent destination for a high-quality
education at a reasonable cost. They generally cannot find negative about a
university while applying for admission. A large number of Indian students
enrolled in the university have genuine concern about UCW and the value of the
degree they obtain from the university.
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GOPIO LIFE MEMBERSHIP AND
CHAPTER FORMATION |
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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-intl@sbcglobal.net.
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
GOPIO Senior Vice President - Dr Piyush Agrawal, Weston, Florida, USA, Tel:
+1-954-684-6494, E-mail:sudhapca@aol.com
To become a Life member of GOPIO, one can sign up online athttp://gopio.net/online_membership.htm or fill up
the form and send it with a check to: GOPIO International, PO Box
560117, New York NY 11356, USA.
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EDITORIAL BOARD |
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Chief Editor: Dr. Thomas Abraham, Founder
President and Chairman Emeritus, GOPIO (Stamford, CT, USA)
Editor: Nami Kaur, GOPIO Secretary (New York, USA)
Webmasters: Prashant Gupta (Hyderabad,
India) and Abu Thomas (New Rochelle, NY, USA)
Contributors of this
issue: Inder
Singh (Chairman, GOPIO Intl.), Ashook
Ramsaran (President, GOPIO Intl.), Dr. Neerja Arun (GOPIO-Ahmedabad), Harry
Walia (GOPIO-Sydney North West), Ashok
Motwani (GOPIO Life Member, Mumbai) and Dr. Rashmee Sharma (USA)
GOPIO NEWS welcomes
NRI/PIO related stories from all over the world. Be a volunteer correspondent or
reporter. Contact Dr. Thomas
Abraham, Tel: 203-329-8010, E-mail: gopio@optonline.net.
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