GOPIO NEWS BULLETIN

May 2006

 

NOTE: GOPIO News is a monthly newsletter of GOPIO International, based in the USA. If you do not wish to receive this newsletter in future, please go to the bottom and click the unsubscribe URL. If you feel the information contained here is useful, please forward this e-mail to your friends and relatives. One could also subscribe this newsletter FREE by visiting www.gopio.net and type in the e-mail address and other details.

 

CONTENTS

GOPIO CAMPAIGN TO SUPPORT US-INDIA NUCLEAR DEAL CONTINUES

GOPIO IS MOBILIZING VOLUNTEERS FROM EVERY STATE IN THE US

 

MOIA ANNOUNCES SCHOLARSHIPS FOR PIOs TO PURSUE HIGHER EDUCATION IN INDIA

 

INDIAN ARRIVAL DAY TO BE CELEBRATED IN GUYANA, FIJI, TIRNIDAD AND SURINAME

 

GOPIO INTL. AND CHAPTER NEWS

BRUSSELS VENUE FOR HIGH LEVEL CONFERENCE ON GLOBAL ENERGY SECURITY

GOPIO-CONNECTICUT SELECTS ITS OFFICERS AND PLANS ACTIVITES FOR THE YEAR

GOPIO LIFE MEMBER DR. MANI BHAUMIK TO SPEAK IN NEW YORK

GOPIO SECRETARY GENERAL AT NEW YORK CITY COUNCIL HEARING

NEW OFFICERS ADDED TO GOPIO INTERNATIONAL

GOPIO BERLIN CHAPTER PRESIDENT MEETS VISITING INDIAN PM

 

NRIs/PIOs ACHIEVE

NEW ZEALAND INDIAN NAMED GOVERNOR GENERAL

GOPIO LIFE MEMBER SANTOSH VERMA IS AUTHOR OF A BOOK

INDIAN PHYSICIAN APPOINTED HIGH SHERIFF OF GREATER LONDON

FOUR INDIAN AMERICANS SELECTED AS TRUMAN SCHOLARS

RAMESH ADVANI TO HEAD MASSACHUSETTS ASIAN AMERICAN COMMISSION

TOM ABRAHAM ELECTED TO SUGARLAND CITY COUNCIL IN TEXAS

JAMAICAN PIO DR. HAME PERSAUD HONORED

INDIAN AMERICAN BRIJ MOUDGIL INSTALLED AS SME PRESIDENT

THIRTY BRITISH INDIANS AMONG BRITAINS TOP 1000

VED CHAUDHARY APPOINTED AS ASST. COMMISSIONER IN NEW JERSEY

RAVI SAKHUJA ELECTED TO LEXINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS SCHOOL COMMITTEE

KAMLA PERSAUD BISSESSAR IS NEW OPPOSITION LEADER IN TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

 

NEWS OF INTEREST TO NRIs AND PIOs AROUND THE WORLD

GANDHIS DANDI MARCH ENACTED IN SOUTH AFRICA

JINDAL GROUP DONATES $1 MILLION FOR HOUSTON INDIAN COMMUNITY CENTER

PIO FILM ONE MORE REMOVED TO BE PREMIERED IN NEW YORK, MAY 12

INDO-FIJIAN DOCTOR IN AUSTRALIA IS BENEFACTOR OF MEDICAL SCHOOL IN FIJI

INDIAN DOCTORS PROTEST IN LONDON

PIO MINISTER AND FAMILY MURDERED IN GUYANA

 

GOPIO LIFE MEMBERSHIP AND CHAPTER FORMATION

 

EDITORIAL BOARD

 

GOPIO CAMPAIGN TO SUPPORT US-INDIA NUCLEAR DEAL CONTINUES

 

Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) has been supporting the US-India nuclear Deal signed by President George W. Bush and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. This Nuclear Deal has been hailed worldwide as a step in the right direction by the two great democracies.

 

Bill has already been introduced in both the houses of the US Congress. The House Bill is #4974 and the Senate Bill is #2429. Hearing has been already held by Senate Foreign Relations Committee and House International Relations Committee. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has already testified before both committees.

 

GOPIO urges the community leadership in America We to seek a face-to-face meeting with Congressmen and Senators. If there are any questions for which one needs answers, please visit the White House Website http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2006/03/ for some of the answers.

 

The passage of the nuclear agreement by the US Congress is very critical. It is therefore very important to educate those who have the power to change the old laws to accommodate new realities.

 

To find the name of your senators and congressman, visit http://congress.org, type your zip code in the box under Elected Officials and Click: "GO". One can send an E-mail. However, the preferred choice is to send a fax.

 

GOPIO IS MOBILIZING VOLUNTEERS FROM EVERY STATE IN THE US.

 

If you like to volunteer in this campaign, contact the GOPIO National Coordinator Dr. Piyush Agrawal (Weston, Florida), Tel: 954-389-4465, E-mail: sudhapca@aol.com or GOPIO President Inder Singh (Tarzana, California), Tel:818-708-3885, E-mail: gopio-intl@sbcglobal.net or GOPIO Secretary General Ashook Ramsaran (Fresh Meadows, New York City), Tel: 718-939-8194, E-mail: ramsaran@aol.com

 

MOIA ANNOUNCES SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM FOR PIOs TO PURSUE HIGHER EDUCATION IN INDIA

 

The Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs (MOIA) is introducing scholarships for Diaspora students to study in higher technical and non-technical institutes in India in the academic session 2006-07. The program is open to 100 students from select countries.

 

Educational Consultants Indian Ltd (Ed.CIL) will act as the nodal agency. The program is open to students from Bahrain, Fiji, Guyana, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Jamaica, Kenya, Kuwait, Malaysia, Myanmar, Oman, Qatar, Reunion Island, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, Surinam, Tanzania, Thailand, Trinidad, Tobago, the United Arab Emirates and Yemen.

 

The scholarships will be offered in only those institutes with which Ed.CIL has a memorandum of understanding. MOIA has allocated a budget of Rs 1 crore (Rs 10 million) earmarked in the first year for the program. The number of scholarships will be increased annually till it reaches 350. The scholarships will be applicable for professional and general courses (except medical and other related courses).

 

Applicants will have to pay processing charges to Ed.Cil - $200 per student for non-technical courses (humanities streams) and $350 per student for technical courses (which includes engineering, management and hospitality).

 

The applicants should be from the age group of 17-21 years and should have passed senior secondary (10+2) or equivalent from any educational system recognized by the Association of Indian Universities with the requisite subjects. They should have secured at least 60 per cent aggregate marks or 6.75 cumulative grade point average (CGPA) on a scale of 10.

 

Selection will be based on a common written examination, the venues and timings of which will be announced by the Indian missions in the respective countries.

 

INDIAN ARRIVAL DAY TO BE CELEBRATED IN GUYANA, FIJI, TRINIDAD AND SURINAME

 

The Indian Arrival Committee (IAC) of Guyana is planning three grand Melas to mark the 168th anniversary of the arrival of Indians in Guyana. IAC Executive Member, Mr. Evan Radhay Persaud, announced that a troupe from India was due here yesterday for the Melas (cultural shows) this month and next month. The 12-member Gujarat folk dance group is from the Rangashree School of Fine Arts in Gujarat, India. Top local dancers will also be on the Indian Arrival Day program, he said.

 

The three grand IAC Melas are billed for the Anna Regina Community Center, Essequibo Coast on Sunday April 30; on Friday May 5 (Indian Arrival Day) at the Albion Community Centre, Corentyne, and Sunday May 7 at the National Park, Georgetown. Other activities include a show at the National Cultural Center to introduce the troupe on May 3 and the announcement of five persons who will be honored for their outstanding contributions to national progress.

 

On May 5, 1838, the first group of East Indian indentured laborers arrived in then British Guiana to work on sugar plantations.

 

Indian Arrival dates for other countries in chronological order are as follows:

 

Guyana: May 5, 1834

Fiji: May 15, 1879

Trinidad: May 30, 1845

Suriname: June 4, 1873

 

We are always reminded of their pioneering spirit, determination and endurance under extremely harsh conditions, while maintaining their sense of origin, traditions and culture. GOPIO encourages and supports active promotion of the rich and enduring traditions that have served the generations of Indians throughout the Indian Diaspora, states Ashook Ramsaran who was born in Guyana and is Secretary General of GOPIO International.

 

GOPIO INTL. AND CHAPTER NEWS

 

BRUSSELS VENUE FOR HIGH LEVEL CONFERENCE ON GLOBAL ENERGY SECURITY

 

Global Energy Security and European Union-India Co-operation will be discussed in the High Level Conference in Brussels on 8-9 November 2006. The theme of the Conference is: Europe meets India: Economic and Political Dimensions of the EU-India Strategic Partnership Challenges and Opportunities. The Europe India Chamber of Commerce (EICC) is partnering with the Indian Merchants Chamber (IMC) and the Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO); and the Government of India to organize the event. The inauguration of the Conference will take place in the Hotel Sheraton on November 8th and the business sessions will be held in the European Parliament on November 9th. The Conference will discuss the tremendous opportunities that lie on both sides of the continents Europe and India - for promoting trade and investment, the institutional weakness in Indias investment policies including tariff structure and need for India and the European Union to strengthen the existing partnership framework by making trade and investment as the corner stone for EU-India relations. In addition to energy security and energy cooperation the event will discuss other trade and investment issues.

 

The Conference will be attended by industrialists and business leaders from Europe and India, high level representatives of several multinational corporations, European Parliamentarians, officials of the European Commission, representatives of various diplomatic Missions and also representatives of various Chambers of Commerce. Andris Piebalgs, the EU Commissioner for Energy and EU Commissioner for Trade Peter Mandelson will speak on November 9th and Sam Pitroda, Chairman of the Indian Knowledge Commission will deliver the inaugural Keynote address on the 8th November.

 

Sponsorship opportunities are available to reach out to the European and Indian businesses leaders from all fields of trade and commerce activities. The Chair of the Conference Sunil Prasad, can be contacted on Tel. & Fax: +32-2-469 2677 or GSM: +32 472 207 338, E-mail ID: info@eicc.be or sunil.prasad@coditel.net For more details please visit EICC website: www.eicc.be

 

GOPIO-CONNECTICUT SELECTS ITS OFFICERS AND PLANS ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR.

 

GOPIO-Connecticut chapter has selected an Executive Committee with consensus as follows:

 

President - Sangeeta Ahuja (E-mail: sangeetaahuja@aol.com

Vice President Venkat Sharma

Secretary Sara Tierno

Jt. Secretary Suti Prakash

Treasurer Louella DSilva

Committee Members about 8 people.

Advisory Committee Members include Viresh Sharma, Bhom Banta, Dinu Patel and Rajendra Shukla.

 

As a first program, GOPIO-Connecticut plans to have an Essay Competition for students up to age 22 on the topic What makes democracy takes root and survive? The winner will get $1,000 and the second prize will be $500. This will be open to all Connecticut residents.

 

Contact GOPIO-Connecticut President Sangeeta Ahuja at sangeetaahuja@aol.com

 

GOPIO LIFE MEMBER DR. MANI BHAUMIK TO SPEAK IN NEW YORK

 

Dr. Mani Bhaumik, a renowned co-inventor of Lasik eye surgery technology, author of best seller Code Name God, and GOPIO Gold Life Member, will be the keynote speaker on Friday, May 19, 2006 in New York at DC 37, New York Citys Largest Public Employee Union. The event is being hosted by DC37s Asian Heritage Committee as part of its Asian Heritage Month Celebration, and includes a celebration with a colorful cultural presentation of dance, music and food.

 

Contact: Maf Misbah Uddin, Chair; Bhagwattie Dwarika, Co-Chair; Leela Maret, Co-Chair; Susie Yuen, Co-Chair (212-815-1684).

 

GOPIO SECRETARY GENERAL AT NEW YORK CITY COUNCIL HEARING

 

GOPIO International Secretary General Ashook Ramsaran recently appeared at NYC City Hall and gave testimonies in favor of rezoning his neighborhood (from R2 to R2A) to prevent building of large sized, out of character homes. The process was a year long effort that included diligent efforts at all levels by a few dedicated civic board members, and several meetings and hearings as well. The measure was passed in New York City Council and it was a victory for the residents that other neighborhoods are now following.

 

Ramsaran is a prominent board member of his areas homeowners civic association and is actively involved at various levels in his community of Fresh Meadows, New York, USA. He works closely with the citys elected officials and other agencies in the interest of citizens of the community.

 

NEW OFFICERS ADDED TO GOPIO INTERNATIONAL

 

The following additions were made to GOPIO International:

Chairperson, Health Services Council - Dr. ArjunDaluvoy (USA)

Co-Chairperson, Media Council - Munish Gupta (USA)

Co-Chair, Academic Council - Dr. Prem Misir (Guyana)

 

GOPIO BERLIN CHAPTER PRESIDENT MEETS VISITING INDIAN PM

 

Gopio Berlin chapter President, Barjinder Sodhi  had the privilege to meet  Prime Minister of India, Dr. Manmohan Singh in Hannover, Germany where Dr. Singh inaugurated the Technology Fair. Sodhi briefly talked about GOPIO activities worldwide and also presented a gift on behalf of GOPIO to the visiting prime minister in the presence of German Chancellor, Dr. Angelika Merkel. The other high ranking officials present at the time included German Commerce Minister Michael Glos, Minister Kapil Sibbel and Minister Kamal Nath, among others.

 

Prime Minister Singh also addressed the Indian community at a reception hosted by the Indian Embassy in Berlin. PM Singh showered praises on the Indian community for enriching their adopted home with their talent and shaping the image of a resurgent India. During his German visit, Dr. Manmohan Singh attracted large and positive media coverage about India's role in world economy.

 

NRIs/PIOs ARCHIEVE

 

NEW ZEALAND INDIAN NAMED GOVERNOR GENERAL

 

An New Zealand Indian will be the country's next governor general, the first person of Asian descent appointed to the role, on Monday.

 

Justice Anand Satyanand, born and raised in New Zealand by Indian and Fiji Indian parents, will replace Dame Silvia Cartwright in August as the representative of Britain's Queen Elizabeth II.

 

New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark said that Queen Elizabeth had approved the appointment of Satyanand, a lawyer, judge and former Ombudsman. The former judge, who has close ties to Asia and the Pacific, takes up the post in August, she said.

 

"Judge Satyanand will bring many personal strengths to the role of governor general, including a broad knowledge of the workings of government and law, as well as a deep appreciation of the different groups and communities which make up contemporary New Zealand," Clark said.

 

Until the early 1970s the post of governor general was the preserve of members of the British nobility, with the first indigenous Maori New Zealander, Sir Paul Reeves, appointed in the 1980s.

 

Satyanand said he decided to take the post as a matter of duty, the opportunity to play a different role in government.

 

"I am an admirer of our country's present constitutional arrangements and the mechanisms which enable a straight forward change of government and our connection with our historical past," he said.

 

"If there is to a be a change to that it will be a matter for the government and the government has said, that in turn, will be something that the people decide," he said.

 

GOPIO LIFE MEMBER SANTOSH VERMA IS AUTHOR OF A BOOK .

GOPIO life member Mr. Santosh C. Verma is the author of a book titled, How to Achieve Worldwide Prosperity and Peace.

 

According to Mr.Verma, the book deals with the most complex and terrifying global issues of 21st century facing mankind like terrorism, billions living in poverty around the world, social unrest, challenges facing India and other developing nations. And it provides the framework- vision plan how to achieve lasting worldwide prosperity and peace.

 

Author has received many praiseworthy comments for his work, including President of India Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, President George Bush, U.S. Senator Joseph I. Lieberman; David Good, Director of India, Nepal and Sri Lanka Affairs, U.S. Department of State; Suresh Kumar Khanna, State Minister of Planning in Uttar Pradesh.

 

A detailed book review is provided at http://gopio.net/Overview_of_the_book_4.6.06.doc.

 

One can buy copies of the book by contacting Mr.Santosh Verma at verma105@hotmail.com or from Amazon.com or visit http://gopio.net/Book_Poster_3_09_05.pdf

 

INDIAN PHYSICIAN APPOINTED HIGH SHERIFF OF GREATER LONDON.

 

A physician of Indian origin Dr.Khalid Hameed, has been appointed as the High Sheriff of Greater London. High Sheriff, a largely ceremonial post, is the oldest office in Britain apart from the Monarchy and has been in existence for 1,000 years.

 

Lucknow-born Dr.Hameed, who was till recently the head of Cromwell Hospital in London, described the honor as a proud moment for India and a positive signal to ethnic minorities in Britain.

 

According to Dr.Hameed, earlier, the High Sheriff used to collect taxes and raise armed forces. Now, he has to visit the Police Headquarters, Prisons, Hospitals and Fire Brigade.

 

Describing himself as a "great believer in inter-faith unity as all religions preach common good, Dr.Hameed said a ceremony would be held at Westminster Abbey on July 5 in which Christian, Hindu, Muslim and Sikh representatives would take part.

 

Dr. Hameed was the first Asian to be appointed as Chief Executive of Cromwell Hospital, London. He stayed in that post for 15 years and helped the hospital achieve a pre-eminent position in Europe.

 

FOUR INDIAN AMERICANS SELECTED AS TRUMAN SCHOLARS.

 

Secretary Madeleine K. Albright, President of the Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation, announced that 75 students from 63 US colleges and universities have been selected as 2006 Truman Scholars. Scholars were elected by nineteen independent selection panels on the basis of leadership potential, intellectual ability, and likelihood of 'making a difference.'

 

The 75 Scholars were selected from among 598 candidates nominated by 311 colleges and universities. Each selection panel interviewed finalists from a 3 - 4 State region and generally elected one Scholar from each State and one or two at-large Scholars from the region. Each panel typically included a university president, a federal judge, a distinguished public servant, and a past Truman Scholarship winner.

 

Four Indian Americans are among the scholars selected this year. They are: Manasi Abhay Deshpande of the University of Texas, Mukul Kumar of University of California-Irvine, Kunal Malhotra of the University of Massachusetts and Alan Rohit Rodriguess of the Williams College Pennsylvania.

 

Each Scholarship provides $30,000 for graduate study. Scholars also receive priority admission and supplemental financial aid at some premier graduate institutions, leadership training, career and graduate school counseling, and special internship opportunities within the federal government. Recipients must be US citizens, have outstanding leadership potential and communication skills, be in the top quarter of their class, and be committed to careers in government or the not-for-profit sector.

 

The Truman Scholarship Foundation was established by Congress in 1975 as the federal memorial to our thirty-third President. The Foundation awards scholarships for college students to attend graduate school in preparation for careers in government or elsewhere in public service. The activities of the Foundation are supported by a special trust fund in the US Treasury. There have been 2,480 Truman Scholars elected since the first awards were made in 1977.

 

The 2006 Truman Scholars will assemble May 14 for a week-long leadership development program at William Jewell College in Liberty, Missouri, and receive their awards in a special ceremony at the Truman Library in Independence, Missouri, on May 21, 2006. For a listing of the 2006 Scholars and more information on the Foundation, see www.truman.gov.

 

RAMESH ADVANI TO HEAD MASSACHUSETTS ASIAN AMERICAN COMMISSION.

 

Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney has appointed Ramesh Advani of Norfolk, a suburb of Boston, as chairman of Asian American Commission in Massachusetts. The Commission promotes the cause of Asian Americans in Massachusetts in all areas of life. The Commission studies, reviews and reports on the status of Asian Americans in Massachusetts and advises the executive and legislative bodies as well as other govt. and private bodies.

 

TOM ABRAHAM ELECTED TO SUGARLAND CITY COUNCIL IN TEXAS.

 

Sugarland, a suburb of Houston, has elected the sitting council member Tom Abraham for another term. The city administration consists of the mayor and six councilors. The election for mayor and two at-large positions were scheduled for May 7. Since no one came forward to oppose them, they were elected unopposed.

 

A mechanical engineer with a Masters degree in business, Abraham owns and operates a wholesale distribution company in the air-conditioning, refrigeration and heating industry. He also owns and develops various commercial real estate projects.

 

JAMAICAN PIO DR. HAME PERSAUD HONORED

 

Dr. Hame Persaud of Jamaica in the Caribbean, was recently awarded the Order of Distinction, and the National Council for Indian Culture paid tribute to Dr. Persaud in recognition of this achievement, his work in the medical field and his contribution to the Indian Community. The ceremony was held in Kingston, Jamaica.

 

The master of ceremonies, Ken Williamsingh, declared Dr. Persaud an adopted son of Jamaica, and outlined his accomplishments. These included establishing health and dental clinics in collaboration with other doctors and providing pharmaceuticals for them. He also started the Premasat Sang Hindu Society for charity work.

 

Chairman of the council, Kiran Banhan, also congratulated Dr. Persaud, who gave a tribute in Hindi. A portion of it translated to: "I am very happy to have received this award. This is not for me alone, but you all share it with me." He continued to describe his delight with joining the roster of accomplished persons of the Order of Distinction.

 

INDIAN AMERICAN BRIJ MOUDGIL INSTALLED AS SME PRESIDENT.

 

The Society of Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration Engineers (SME) has a new president, Prof. Brij Moudgil of University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida. Dr. Mouldgil has assumed the office last month at its annual meeting in Denver, Colorado. SME is the largest professional organization among the mining, exploration and mineral processing engineers and scientists.

 

Dr. Moudgil is a Distinguished Professor and Alumni Professor of Materials Science and Engineering, and Director of the Particle Engineering Research Center at the University of Florida, Gainesville, FL. Dr. Moudgil also serves as the Director of the UF Mineral Resources Research Center. After completing a doctorate at Columbia University, Dr. Moudgil joined University of Florida faculty in 1981.

 

THIRTY BRITISH INDIANS AMONG BRITAINS TOP 1000.

 

British steel tycoon Lakshmi Mittal was on Sunday declared the wealthiest person in Britain and seventh richest in the world while as many as 30 NRIs in the UK, including Lord Swraj Paul, had fortunes worth over 60 million Pounds each.

 

According to Sunday Times, the combined wealth of top 1,000 rich people in the UK has soared by over 50 billion Pounds in a single year to 300.9 billion Pounds.

 

While Mittal headed the list with a fortune worth 15 billion pounds, the Hinduja brothers -- Sri Chand and Gopi Chand, Chairman and President respectively of the Hinduja Group -- emerged as the seventh richest in Britain with a wealth of 3.6 billion Pounds.

 

Industrialist Lord Swraj Paul is listed 145 with a fortune worth 465 million Pounds, ahead of Queen Elizabeth II who is listed 192 with a wealth worth 300 million Pounds.

 

Mittal is third richest in Europe next only to Karl and Theo Albrecht (Germany, supermarkets, 18.4 billion Pounds) and Ingvar Kamprad (Sweden - retail 16 billion Pounds).

 

The Sunday Times also published a list of 50 richest in the world including three Indians - Lakshmi Mittal (7th), Mukesh and Anil Ambani (30th, Petrochemicals 8.2 billion Pounds) and Azim Premji (32nd Software, 7.6 billion Pounds).

 

Robson Walton (USA, Retail) is the richest person in the world with a wealth worth 45.1 billion Pounds while Bill Gates (Software - Microsoft) is second with a fortune of 28.6 billion Pounds).

 

Other prominent NRIs in the rich list in Britain are Anurag Dikshit (Internet Gambling, 1.704 billion Pounds), Anil Agarwal (mining 1.680 billion Pounds), the Jatania brothers (beauty products 850 million Pounds), Naresh Goyal (Airlines, 780 million Pounds) Vikrant Bhargava (Internet Gambling 592 million pounds), Gulu Lalvani (consumer electronics 450 million Pounds), Bhikhu and Vijay Patel (Pharmaceuticals 444 million Pounds), Lord Bagri and family (60 million Pounds), Sukhpal Singh Ahluwalia (100 million Pounds) and Sir Gulam Noon (65 million Pounds).

 

VED CHAUDHARY APPOINTED AS ASST. COMMISSIONER IN NEW JERSEY

 

Dr. Ved Chaudhary has been appointed to the position of Assistant Commissioner in the NJ Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) in the new administration of NJ Governor Jon Corzine. This is the first time that a senior Indian American professional has been appointed to the sub-cabinet level position in the NJ DEP. 
 
Dr. Chaudhary holds an important portfolio that supports critical functions for the entire Department of Environmental Protection. His responsibilities include the Divisions of Finance and Budget, Human Resources, Information Resource Management, Occupational Safety and Health, General Services and Property Management, the Office of Equal Opportunity, as well the offices of the Controller, the Audit function and the Records.

 

The very first appointee from the Indian American Community at the sub-cabinet level in the Federal Government, Dr. Joy Cherian commented at Veds appointment Ved is one of the hard working and sincere grassroots-level community leaders who looks at the larger interest of his friends and followers. He never gives importance to any individual because of his/her title or position, but only on the basis of the class and character of the person.
 
 Dr. Piyush C. Agrawal, National Coordinator (USA) of the Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) and Immediate Past President of AIA expressed his delight at the appointment of Dr. Ved Chaudhary and said, The time has come for the mainstream America to realize the potential of Indian Americans. The Indian Americans also need to realize the importance of serving the country through public service. Veds appointment to this high level position is not only an indication of this realization and commitment on both sides but, I am sure, that Veds successful mission would prove that this realization was not misplaced. Ved exemplifies a rare combination of community activism, professionalism and civic responsibility
 
The gentleman who knows New Jersey politics well and has been elected to the New Jersey legislature, Upendra Chivukula noted, Ved Chaudhary has been a strong voice in promoting civil rights and addressing workplace discrimination. His appointment as the Assistant Commissioner of Department of Environmental Protection can help address the issue of Glass Ceiling, an artificial barrier for women and minorities in advancing in their professional careers.

 

RAVI SAKHUJA ELECTED TO LEXINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS SCHOOL COMMITTEE


Indian community activist and President-Elect of Indian American Forum for Political Education, Ravi Sakhuja has been elected to the School Committee of Lexington. Massachusetts. Thirty-nine percent of the 18,500 registered voters in town cast ballots on March 6th in the Town Elections in Lexington. Ravi Sakuja was elected with 24.9 percent of the town-wide vote. His election platform of Excellent Education and Effective oversight appealed to many looking for fresh ideas and a new face. Sakhuja came in second with 24.9 percent of the town wide vote, while incumbent Burson finished third with 22.9 percent.

 

KAMLA PERSAUD BISSESSAR IS NEW OPPOSITION LEADER IN TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

 

Kamla Persad Bissessar, a member of Trinidad and Tobago parliament and a former Attorney General, was appointed as the Leader of the Opposition by the country's President George Maxwell Richards following incumbent Basdeo Panday's incarceration. The president has also declared Panday's Couva North constituency seat vacant. According to the country's law, Panday automatically vacated his post after his conviction.

 

Panday, a former prime minister and chairman of the opposition United National Congress, was on Monday sentenced to six years in jail on three counts for failing to declare his assets in a London bank account. He was ordered to serve two years in jail for each charge but the sentences will run concurrently, which means Panday will effectively serve two years in prison.

 

Panday will also be paying fines of $10,000 and has been asked to reimburse $250,000 to the state.

 

GOPIO officials have been surprised by this convention. Many felt, this was a vendetta by the current Prime Minister toward former PM Pandey.

 

NEWS OF INTEREST TO NRIs/PIOs AROUND THE WORLD

 

GANDHIS DANDI MARCH ENACTED IN SOUTH AFRICA.

 

Over 500 people participated in a walk from the Phoenix settlement to Battery Beach in Durban on Sunday to commemorate Mahatma Gandhi's historic salt march. The marchers, including government officials, Mahatma Gandhi's grand-daughter Ela Gandhi and a Gandhi look-alike, left Phoenix, the Ashram Gandhi had set up in 1904, early in the morning and arrived at Battery Beach, where Gandhi's ashes were scattered after his death, just after noon.

 

The walk, stretching for 22 km, was in commemoration of the first salt march organized by Gandhi in 1930, known as the Dandi March. Millions had joined Gandhi as he marched for 24 days from the Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad to the village of Dandi on the sea coast in Gujarat in India during the first march. Gandhi's march was in symbolic defiance of the tax imposed by the British government on salt and it was as a result of this march that people from across India began producing their own salt. He was later arrested.

 

After completing the march in Durban, Gandhi's grand-daughter Ela Gandhi was quoted by the South African newspaper Daily News newspaper as saying that the spirit among the marchers had been wonderful. "Twenty-eight countries were represented here and people from different race groups, religions and backgrounds participated in the march. It was a success for the satyagraha (non-violence movement)," she told the newspaper.

 

She said that this year's march was much bigger than the inaugural event last year. A number of marchers had promised to return next year she said.

 

One person who drew a lot of attention was Thakor Ramjee, a 72-year-old from Durban, who walked the entire stretch in a dhoti with an Indian flag around his shoulders and a walking stick in hand.

 

JINDAL GROUP DONATES ONE MILLION DOLLARS FOR HOUSTON INDIAN COMMUNITY CENTER.

 

Indian-Americans have welcomed business conglomerate Jindal Group's $1 million donation to an NRI community centre in Houston saying that the gesture could initiate a new trend of economic synergy in the country. The philanthropic gesture, first of its kind from a major Indian business house, is believed by many NRIs to kickstart a new era of community service in the United States.


The $20 million-community center will promote Indian culture besides providing social, health care and referral services for everyone - regardless of their ethnicity.

 

PIO FILM ONE MORE REMOVED TO BE PREMIERED IN NEW YORK, MAY 12

 

"Once More Removed: A Journey Back to India", a documentary film by Shundell Prasad, will have it's New York Premiere on May 12, 2006 at Bombay Theater in Queens, New York. This film is about the history of an Indian indentured laborer in the former British Guiana (now Guyana) unfolding in a painful legacy of displacement, struggle and survival.

 

This documentary tells the story of a people who have been once more removed from India, through the story of family. They are the descendents of the people who were transported from India c.150 years ago to inhabit what was then known as British Guiana, as indentured servants for the British Empire.

 

The premiere opening reception and screening take place on Friday, May 12. There is a second screening on Saturday, May 13. Tickets for both events are available on line at www.OnceMoreRemoved.com and at local outlets.

 

Contact: Shundell Prasad at shundellprasad@yahoo.com or visit www.OnceMoreRemoved.com.

 

INDO-FIJIAN DOCTOR IN AUSTRALIA IS BENEFACTOR OF MEDICAL SCHOOL IN FIJI.

 

An Indo-Fijian doctor, who now lives in Australia, is the inspiration and benefactor behind a proposed medical school in the University of Fiji. Announcing this while addressing the university's dedication ceremony at its Saweni Campus, university vice-chancellor Rajesh Chandra said the school's mastermind is Umanand Prasad, who is originally of Labasa, Fiji.


Prasad, who is now settled in Adelaide, Australia, has set aside $1 million for the medical school. He is also a vice-president of the International Congress for Fiji Indians (ICFI), an organization that was formed after the 1987 coup in that country. The medical school would be called Dr Umanand Prasad School of Medicine.


Indo-Fijians constitute around 43 per cent of Fiji's total population of over 890,000.

 

INDIAN DOCTORS PROTEST IN LONDON.

 

Hundreds of overseas doctors, most of them from India, held a demonstration on Friday outside the UK Department of Health in London to protest new immigration rules forcing them to leave Britain.

 

Holding placards saying 'Death of Merit', 'International Medical Graduates are not Doormats' and 'Betrayal of Commonwealth Doctors', the non-EU doctors urged the British Government to withdraw the new immigration rules, describing them as 'unfair, unjust and discriminatory'.

 

New immigration regulations announced last month mean doctors from outside the European Union will no longer be able to train in Britain without a work permit, a change which could hit up to 20,000 medical practitioners.

 

Around 70 per cent of those affected come from the Indian subcontinent, a traditional recruiting ground for Britain's state-funded National Health Service (NHS).

 

Addressing the protesting doctors right across the Downing Street, Ramesh Mehta, President of the British Association of Physicians of Indian Origin, said, "The new rule is unfair and unjust, and leads to discrimination against doctors who have been the backbone of the NHS since its inception."

 

Mehta said they had met the Minister of State for Immigration Tony McNulty a couple of days ago on the issue and he was sympathetic to their views.

 

After an hour-long peaceful demonstration, the doctors submitted a memorandum to the Department of Health urging withdrawal of the new rules and then marched up to the Trafalgar Square.

 

PIO MINISTER AND FAMILY MURDERED IN GUYANA

 

Guyanas Minister of Agriculture (acting), Fisheries, Other Crops and Livestock, Satayadeo Sawh, along with his brother Rajpat Rai and sister Phulmattie Persaud, and his security guard, was brutally murdered on Saturday April 22, at the Ministers residence on the East Coast Demerara in Guyana. Another brother of the Minister was also shot and is receiving medical attention along with two security guards at the Georgetown Public Hospital. Another person in his family is in critical condition.

 

Upon his return to Guyana in 1992 when the ruling Peoples Progressive Party regained governing control under President Cheddi Jagan, Mr. Sawh was appointed as Guyana's ambassador to Venezuela, Colombia and Ecuador. For his diplomatic services, he was awarded the Order of Francesco Miranda of Venezuela and received several community awards in both Venezuela and Colombia. In 1996 he was made Minister for Fisheries, Crops and Livestock. In 2003, he was also given the additional responsibility of Minister of Agriculture, a post he held at the time of his assassination.

 

Reports indicate that six masked gunmen raided the Sawh's residence and shot the occupants and the guards. The Guyana Police Force is conducting investigations into this heinous attack which has been promptly condemned by Guyanas President Bharrat Jagdeo.

 

GOPIO, LIFE MEMBERSHIP AND CHAPTER FORMATION

 

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

 

GOPIO Individual Life membership is open to all who believe in the mission of GOPIO. The one- time fee is $5,000 for Platinum Life Membership, $2,500 for Gold Life Membership and $1,500 Silver Life Membership and 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 President Inder Singh, Tarzana, California, USA, Tel: 818-708-3885, E-mail: gopio-intl@sbcglobal.net

 

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

 

To become a Life member of GOPIO, visit http://www.gopio.net/membership_form.htm, print and fill up the form and send it with a check to: GOPIO, P.O. Box 1413, Stamford, CT 06904, USA.

 

 

EDITORIAL BOARD

 

Chief Editor: Dr. Thomas Abraham, Chairman, GOPIO (Stamford, CT, USA)

Webmaster: Prashant Gupta (Chicago, IL, USA)

Contributors of this issue: Inder Singh (USA), Sunil Prasad (Belgium), Ashook Ramsaran (USA), Bina Mahabir (USA) and Dr. Piyush Agrawal (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

 

Visit GOPIOs Official site at www.gopio.net or www.gopio.com