THE INDIA DAY FAIR 2014 IN QUEENSLAND, AUSTRALIA

GOPIO (Group of Person of Indian Origins) Queensland held its marquee annual event, India Day Fair, on 10th August 2014, at the prestigious venue of Roma Street Parklands Amphitheatre, to celebrate Indian Independence Day.

GOPIO Queensland presented this celebration in a unique manner showcasing Indian culture,

food, music and clothing in a festival-like atmosphere. The function started with the auspicious "Gayatri Mantra" by DJJS (Divya Jyothi Jagran Sansthan) group. VIPs arrived to a "traditional Indian way of reception using garlands and tilak".

The event was attended by various dignitaries including Lord Mayor Graham Quirk, Honorary Consul of India in Brisbane, Mrs Archana Singh, Minister Glen Elmes (Minister for Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and Multicultural Affairs and Minister Assisting the Queensland Premier), MP Freya Ostapovitch MP for Stretton, Desley Scott MP and shadow minister for community services on behalf of leader of opposition, Mrs Anastacia Palaszuk, Paul Stewart, Assistant Commissioner of Police for Queensland, David Forde, Jim Verghese - CEO of Springfield Land Corporation and many well-known faces from business and society.

Lord Mayor Graham Quirk, who has been attending all the marquee annual events since 2010 since the inception, officially opened the function. He spoke of the contribution which the Indian         community is making to Brisbane and Australia. He spoke of Hyderabad as one of the sister cities

of Brisbane as well about the G20 summit to be held in the city towards the end of the year. He said that he is looking forward for Hon. Indian PM Narendra Modi's visit to G20 summit.

Minister Glen Elmes and Honorary Counsel for India in Queensland Mrs Archana Singh, along with GOPIO Queensland chapter President Yousuf Alikhan, raised the flags of Australia and India, with the national anthems of both the countries being sung in unison by the huge crowd. Yousuf welcomed each and everyone to the event and talked about the organisation (GOPIO) in general and the major events being held in the region ranging from taxation, superannuation to leadership development workshops and social and cultural events remembering Girmits. Yousuf said, "The main outcome of this harmonious, multi-cultural and multi-racial event is to promote multiculturalism, improve cultural tolerance and promote community harmony. It provides an opportunity to showcase the cultural and regional diversity of India to the wider Queensland community."

Minister Glen Elmes in his address spoke about the bond which the Diaspora had with India and how happy he and his ministry was to provide the grant for this iconic event. He had this to say about the event: "The India Day fair which is run by GOPIO is an amazing event which shows off the Indian culture to the wider Queensland community. Proud to have attended every single one of these events since becoming the Minister and look forward to the 2015 event."

Honorary counsel Mrs Archana Singh spoke of Independence struggle and what it meant for the nation and its Diaspora all over the globe. She spoke of the areas of development and progress being made by Indians globally.

On behalf of leader of opposition, Mrs Anastacia Palaszuk, Desley Scott MP and shadow minister

for community services, spoke of the contribution and local integration of the community. The patron of GOPIO Queensland, Maha Sinnathamby, was represented by Jim Verghese (CEO of Springfield Land Corporation). He delivered the patron's message and spoke on Mahatma Gandhi's statue project (to be inaugurated by Indian PM Mr. Narendra Modi while he is in Brisbane for G20 convention in November). Jim also talked about the life and principles of Gandhi to applause from the crowd.

  -  Photo - Dignitaries GOPIO-Queensland India Day celebration

GOPIO Queensland presented "Lifetime Community Services Award" to Dr. Thakor Patel and was presented to him by Professor Sarva Danam Singh. Dr Patel's involvement included Radio 4EB, FICQ, ICA, apart from serving the community through his Kedron Park based medical services.

Umesh Chandra, GOPIO International Coordinator for Oceanic region, the program coordinator, did a fantastic job in introducing the dignitaries and having the program start as per schedule. Most of the local Indian community organisations were represented and took part in the customary parade showcasing traditions, costumes and representations of varied regions and cultures of India. The attendance by the organisations surpassed each of the years in terms of numbers and different colours and cultures of India.

The morning to dusk quality cultural entertainment included live band and dance performances by some of the best local and national dance groups. The cultural performance was a mix of artistes from Brisbane as well as from different parts of Australia. The lead group - Jalwa Dance group - had come all the way from Melbourne. Apart from 4 different and sizzling dance items, they performed a specially choreographed segment "Colours of India". This segment was a brain child of GOPIO Queensland committee members and featured dances from different regions of India.  Fire dance was an awesome item from the same group and applauded by the crowd.

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Photo - Cultural performances at GOPIO-Queensland India Day Celebration

Another well-known local group - Brisbane Babas Band - also performed throughout the day. Their bhangra and Punjabi numbers has crowd rush out of their seats and dancing to the music in front of the stage. People from all walks of life could be seen throwing their arms and bodies to mad rush of the bhangra music.

Sheen Kashmiri dance group, performed to the Kashmiri lyrics of famous Bollywood song, Bhumbro Bhumbro. Other local performances included groups - Dance Masala, Bollycise, Lavni Dance group, Shere Punjab, Bollywood Dhamaka, Orioz and many others.

SEVENTH INDEPENDENCE DAY MUSHAIRA AND KAVI SAMMELAN HELD IN WASHNGTION DC

"The beauty of Ghalib's poetry is that your appreciation of his poetry grows more as you listen to it", said Mr. N. K. Mishra, Minister, Community Affairs, Embassy of India.  He was addressing the gathering assembled at the 7th Annual Independence Day Mushaira-Kavi Sammelan and release of a recently published book, The Treasure: A Modern Rendition of Ghalib's Love Poetry by Surinder Deol. He said that his study of Ghalib was limited, but he remembers one "sheyr" distinctly that reflects the depth of Ghalib's understanding of all facets of human life, including religious philosophy: "Ghalib ne yeh kah kar tor di tasbih /Gin kar kyon naam loon us ka jo bey-hisab deta hai." He thanked organizers for arranging an event which brought poets and audience of both Urdu and Hindi languages under one roof. 

The function was organized by the Aligarh Alumni Association (AAA), Washington, DC and the Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO), Washington-Metro at the Auditorium of Fairfax County Library in Herndon, Virginia on August 30, 2014.

"This book is a welcome addition to the slim corpus of Ghalib in English translation, not only because it has a sure method, but also because it does not sacrifice the essential Ghalib", said Professor Satyapal Anand presiding the book release ceremony. Dr. Anand appreciated the hard work and dedication of Mr. Deol.

"Surinder Deol's rendition of Ghalib's poetry into English is a reflection of his in-depth understanding and sincere love for Ghalib's multifaceted poetic compositions", said Dr. A. Abdullah commenting on the book.

Author Surinder Deol described how and why he got interested in bringing Ghalib's work to English readers. He explained why Ghalib became so popular though there had been so many other great poets in the Subcontinent.   One of the reasons was that you can find expression of innovative thoughts full of metaphors and similes, and also a wide range of topics and subjects in his poetry, Deol added. He wanted Ghalib's work be recognized universally.

Greeting the author, poets, dignitaries, and audience, coordinator of the program and president of GOPIO-Washington, Metro, Dr. Zafar Iqbal said that the goal of this program was to provide a forum where people could get together transcending political, religious, regional, and geographical boundaries promoting Ganga-Jamuni culture of the Subcontinent. He mentioned that in the recent years, a number of authors and poets were recognized through this program. Some of them are: Professor Satyapal Anand, Dr. A. Abdullah, Dr. K. Mohan, Mr. Raj Kumar Raaz, Mr. Anadi Naik, Mrs. Rashmi Sanan, and Mrs. Daler Deol Aashna. "Success of events led to the organization of first bi-lingual (Urdu-Hindi) poetry recitation program at the Embassy of India in 2012 with our help", he added. He thanked Shri. N. K. Mishra, Minister for Cultural Affairs, Embassy of India for supporting these programs.

Photo in the left- Book Release at the program, from l. to r.: Dr. Zafar Iqbal, N. K. Mishra, Dr. A. Abdullah, Mr. Surinder Deol (author), and Mr. A. Rahman Siddiqui; Photo in the rights, l. to r.: Dr. A. Abdullah, Ms. Kirana Nath, Mr. A. Rahman Siddiqui, N. K. Mishra, Mr. Baqar Zaidi, Dr. Zafar Iqbal, Ms. Vandana Singh, Dr. Renuka Misra, Dr. Vishakha Thaker, and Mr. Aziz Qureshi.

Welcoming the audience on behalf of AAA, association's president, Dr. Fazal Khan mentioned that the association has been engaged in organizing literary and cultural events, as well as collaborating with other community associations for the last 40 years. This year, the association has planned special events to celebrate 40 years of its service to the community. 

Dr. A. Abdullah, the most adored conductor of poetry recitation sessions, mentioned in his introductory remark that the increasing number of participants and audience in these programs is a testimony to the desire of people to share the common heritage. "Hindi and Urdu are twin sisters, who have different attire and are marching forward side by side in India and all over the world," said Dr. Abdullah.

The Mushaira session was presided by Abdurrahman Siddiqui and participating poets included A. Abdullah, Aziz Qureshi, Baqar Zaidi, Daler Deol Aashna, Gulshan Madhur, Kiran Nath, Mohammad Hussain Imam, Rakesh Khandelwal, Razi Raziuddin, Satyapal Anand, Vandana Singh, and Vishakha Thaker. 

On behalf of AAA, Washington DC and GOPIO-Washington Metro, GOPIO International Coordinator Dr. Renuka Misra thanked poets, distinguished guest and audience for their time and participation.

Photos: Audience at the Independence and Mushaira program.

Contact: Mr. Zafar Iqbal, President, GOPIO-Washington Metro, gopio.metro.washington@gmail.com

INDIA'S INDEPENDENCE COMMEMORATED BY GOPIO IN MARTINIQUE

India's Independence 2014 was commemorated in Martinique by GOPIO Martinique and several other Indo-Martinique organizations. These included GOPIO Martinique president Lucienne Sacarbany, board member Dr. Diana Ramassamy and others Dr. Ramassamy is a professor of history and is Présidente de la fédération des associations indiennes.

In 1851 the Martinique authorities, seeking to replace former slave laborers who had abandoned plantation work on being given their liberty, recruited several thousand laborers from the Indian French colonial settlements of Madras, Pondichéry, Chandernagor and Karaikal. Workers were offered free passage and pay in exchange for serving a five-year period of labour. Despite initial experiences of racial discrimination and labour exploitation, many of the immigrants were subsequently well-integrated into the population, and by the late 20th century the laborers' descendants were broadly assimilated into Martiniquais culture. The past two decades have seen Indo-Martiniquais people increasingly asserting the distinctively Indian aspects of their heritage (a phenomenon known as "indianité"). People of Indian descent have paid renewed attention to the history and culture of India, and local groups have established contact with peoples of Indian descent from throughout the Caribbean and further afield. One token of this has been the recent revival of a traditional Hindu annual "mela" on the island, sustained by the Hindu temples and shrines that were introduced by the migrant laborers and remain operational today

GOPIO Martinique became a full chapter on November 28, 2013 following the visit and meetings by GOPIO president Ashook Ramsaran in July 2013. This followed the group's visit to GOPIO regional conference in St Vincent (June 2, 2012). GOPIO Martinique with a contingent of 5 persons participated in GOPIO's 25^th Anniversary Convention held in Port of Spain, Trinidad on May 27-30, 2014. GOPIO is developing a proposal with GOPIO Martinique for an Indian Arrival Monument at place of the first arrival (similar proposal being developed with Ishwar Ramlutchman for South Africa) and those installed in Kolkata (2011), Guyana (2013) and Trinidad (2014).

Photo above: Lucienne Sacarbany is shown in the center; Diana Ramasammy left of Lucienne Sacarbany

GOPIO PARTICIPATES IN INDIAN CONSULATE RECEPTION FOR US CONGRESSWOMAN GRACE MENG

The who represents New York's 6^th Congressional District, and the first Asian from New York to be elected to the US Congress. It was a very successful and well attended reception, one of many which Amb. Dnyaneshwar Mulay, Indian Consul General in New York, organizes for elected officials. In attendance was a full cross section of the Indian American community as well as members of the American Jewish Council (AJC).

After the welcome remarks by Amb. Mulay, GOPIO President Ashook Ramsaran introduced Congresswoman Meng who is well known to Ramsaran and a staunch advocate and supporter of the East Asian and South Asian communities, "representing the dreams, aspirations, hopes and needs of the changing demographics of New York - in fact, the USA in general". Amb. Mulay and Ramsaran presented Congresswoman Meng a community recognition plaque prepared by GOPIO, as special recognition and appreciation for outstanding service to the Indian-American Community. A special presentation of GOPIO's "Global Indian Diaspora" book was made by GOPIO life members in attendance.

Congresswoman Meng spoke about her background as the daughter of immigrant parents, her interest and agenda on immigrant matters, in particular East Asian and South Asian, and her interest in visiting India soon. She is member of Congressional Caucus on India and Indian Americans; member of Asian Pacific American Caucus, member of House Committee on Foreign Affairs Committee and the House Committee on Small Business and is a ranking Member on The Subcommittee on Contracting and Workforce. Congresswoman Meng initiated legislation for Amendment to the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998 to include the desecration of cemeteries among the many forms of violations of the right to religious freedom - which President Obama signs into law. She sponsored legislation for the goals and ideals of International Mother Language Day in bringing attention to the importance of preserving linguistic and cultural heritage through education; Early Childhood Education Professional Improvement Act of 2013; Legislation Seeking to Create Student Aid Forms in Languages Spoken by Queens Residents Passed by House; and several other significant legislation.

Photo (l-r):Naidoo Veerapen (GOPIO), Sudha Acharya (GOPIO), US Congresswoman Grace Meng, Indian Consul General Amb. D. Mulay, Ashook Ramsaran (GOPIO), Mridul Pathak( GOPIO)

GOPIO TRI-STATE NY/NJ/CT REGIONAL MEETING AUGUST 24, 2014

A regional GOPIO Tri-State New York-New Jersey-Connecticut meeting was held on August 24, 2014 at Jewel of India Restaurant, North Brunswick, New Jersey. The meeting was organized by the GOPIO Chapters of New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and coordinated by Dr. Renuka Misra, International Coordinator, North America. Attendees included chapters' officials and members, Life Members and GOPIO International officials. It was hosted by GOPIO Central New Jersey (Dinesh Mittal, president) and assisted by Dr. Rajeev Mehta, Chair, GOPIO Health Council, GOPIO Life Member. J. Nami Kaur, Secretary, GOPIO International and Jaswant Mody, Associate Secretary, GOPIO International, provided site assistance along with members of GOPIO Central New Jersey.

Materials Distributed at the meeting included: GOPIO Executive Council & Administrative Listing; GOPIO International By-Laws; GOPIO Council Policies & Guidelines; GOPIO Council Listings & Nomination Forms; GOPIO Chapter Policies, Guidelines, Functions & Responsibilities, Good Standing Criteria; Target Chapters and Life Memberships per GOPIO Region; GOPIO Chapter Meetings and Coordination; GOPIO International & Chapter Membership Forms; Write-up: GOPIO's 24-Pg Supplement in India Abroad - PM Narendra Modi's Visit to USA.

Topics of discussion and major action items included: Renaming GOPIO chapters in accordance with GOPIO By-Laws; Revamp or discontinue failing or inactive GOPIO chapters; Life Members to be Affiliated with Nearest GOPIO Chapter; Need to Attract Youth to GOPIO with Inclusivity & Relevant Programs; Membership Feedback, Recommendations and Suggestions; Support for GOPIO's 24-Page Supplement in India Abroad for PM Narendra Modi's Visit to USA. Commentaries and feedback: "An excellent beginning for a regional meeting with a very good agenda; more similar meetings should be held more often, in this and other regions of USA and globally; more time should be allocated for agenda items discussion and responses".

Photo (l-r): Dr. Rajeev Mehta (Chair, GOPIO Health Council), Ashook Ramsaran (president GOPIO International), Dinesh Mittal (president GOPIO Central New Jersey), Dr. Renuka Misra (GOPIO International Coordinator, North America), Jhairam Persaud (president GOPIO Upper New York), Shailesh Naik (former president GOPIO Stamford Connecticut)

GOPIO PRESENTS COMMUNITY ISSUES MEMORANDUM TO MOS MINISTER KIREN RIJIJU

On September 13, 2014, GOPIO president Ashook Ramsaran presented a list of community issues and matters of interest and concern to Shri Kiren Rijiju, Minister of State for Ministry of Home Affairs. The dinner meeting was held at the Indian Consulate in New York, organized by Indian Consul General Amb. D. Mulay. The memorandum is based on various input, suggestions and recommendations received from GOPIO's chapters, membership and other organizations among the Indian American community in the United States and globally. Development of this memorandum was also based on our extensive knowledge, experience and interaction within GOPIO, resolutions at various conferences, as well as with other individuals and groups in the Indian community regionally, nationally and globally.

Some of the critical issues and suggestions include:

• OCI Card Uniformity for all - Problem of reissue when passports are renewed to age 20 and once over age 50 while ages 20-49 carry old passport with U-Visa along with new passport.
• Acceptance of Alternate Documentation for PIO Card - For Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs), especially descendants of indentured laborers, who are unable to obtain original documents due to poor records in countries where Indian laborers migrated from 1834-1920.
• Proposed OIC Card - Can cause unnecessary burdens and confusion. The current PIO and OCI cards are well accepted, widely used and differentiation must be retained. Refer Economic Times article below.
• NRI Tax beyond 60-day stay in India - Waiver needed for families, retirees and emergencies.
• Uniformity of information, policies and practices - Visas, OCI cards, passports and surrender of passports by all ministries, high commissions and consulates.
• Reciprocity from India re US Immigration Bill - Needed permission for spouses of temporary workers to work legally.
• Research Visa - Burdensome and unnecessary requirement for special permission for OCI/PIO Card holders to conduct research in India.

Photo (l-r):J. Patel, Rajeev Bhambri (India Abroad), Ashook Ramsaran (GOPIO), Indian Consul General Amb. D. Mulay, Mridul Pathak ( GOPIO), Anil Shah, MOS Min. Kiren Rijiju (MHA), Mrs. Rina Rijiju, Malini Shah, Mrs. Anil Shah

JASWANT MODY DESIGNATED TO ASSIST WITH PASSPORTS, VISAS, OCI/PIO

GOPIO Life Member and Associate Secretary Jaswant Mody (New Jersey, USA) has been designated by GOPIO president Ashook Ramsaran to receive and coordinate requests for assistance with passports, visas, OCI/PIO card applications and expediting for emergencies and delays covering the 9 states under the jurisdiction of the Consulate of India in New York. All such requests would be channeled to the Consul, OCI, PIO & Community Affairs at the Indian Consulate of India in New York.

Due to the difficulties experienced previously and the transition to a new outsourcing to Cox & Kings, there are urgent requests made directly to GOPIO. This appointment of Jaswant Mody is intended to streamline the requests made directly to GOPIO and to coordinate resolution through the Indian Consulate of India in New York with jurisdiction covering 9 states. GOPIO is planning to designate others in the various Indian consular regions in USA.

Contact Information: Mr. Jaswant Mody, Associate Secretary, GOPIO International

Email:  j.mody@aol.com

GOPIO CENTRAL JERSEY ORGANIZES HEALTH CAMP

On September 7, 2014, the Global Organization of People of Indian Origin - Central Jersey (GOPIO-CJ) in association with IHCNJ hosted a free health screening and prevention camp at the Durga Mandir in Princeton, NJ. Health and nutrition advice, eye and general physical exams, cardiac evaluations and EKGs, cancer screening and education, dental checkups, and basic blood tests were provided free of cost to the underprivileged communities in Central Jersey. Several hundred families living in and around the Princeton, Plainsboro and South Brunswick areas came to the health camp at Durga Mandir and availed the free checkup, blood tests, and advice.

At the end of yet another successful event, Dr. Rajeev Mehta (past President of GOPIO-CJ and Co-Chair of GOPIO Health Council) and Dr. Tushar Patel (leader of the medical team at the health camp), said that in the coming years, GOPIO-Central Jersey would consider doing bigger health camps in partnership with other GOPIO chapters on a rotating basis in under privileged areas where there is great need for such camps. Mr. Dinesh Mittal, the president of GOPIO Central Jersey thanked all those who had participated in the Health Camp, and stated that he was in full agreement with the medical leadership.

  Photo: GOPIO-Central Jersey Health Camp in progress at Durga Mandir, Princeton, NJ 

  Contact: Dr/ Rajeev Mehta, rajimehta@hotmail.com 

Diva America Inc hosted the fourth biannual Miss India Connecticut Pageant on September 21, 2014 in Hartford, CT, at the Bushnell Theater from 4pm to 7pm with the theme "Shakti - Strength of a Woman". This year's pageant was hosted by India Association of Greater Hartford  and joined by GOPIO-CT and other community groups in Connecticut. It was a sold-out event with 1,000 people attending the show. Connecticut Governor Dannel Malloy and Hartford Mayor Pedro E. Seggara extended a warm welcome to the pageant and released the souvenir brochure.

 Photo above: Connecticut Governor Dannel Malloy releasing the souvenir brochure of the Miss India Connecticut pageant; From l. to r: Hartfor Mayor Pedro E. Seggara, Diva Director Dr. thomas Abraham, Grand Sponsor Hasu Patel, Gov. Dannel Malloy, DiVA President Anita bhat, Diva Vice President Meera Banta, Tejal Vallum, Harfor India Association President Mukesh Desai and Shaku Patel.

Over the next three hours, the audience was entertained and enthralled by the talent demonstrations and colorful dresses worn by the 15 Pageant contestants, dance performances, knockout medleys from local artists, and hilarious stand-up comedy. Bollywood choreographer Rajeev Khinchi stole the show with his dramatic choreography and Bollywood dances. Ms. Malavika Vidwans, president of Sneha,  a non-profit service organization empowering women, inspired the audience with her mission. This was lead-up to the grand finale of seven groups of classical and folk dancers with over 70 artists performing on the stage.

The Miss India CT Pageant 2014 winner is Nidhi Bhimani, who is also recognized as Miss Best Dress, will have the opportunity to attend Bolliwood Film Producer and Director Subash Ghai's Whistling Woods International internship for one year. The Pageant first runner-Up is Devisha Patel and second runner-up is Shivani Jonn. Other special award winners are: Janessa Patel - Miss Smile; Vinali Patel - Miss Catwalk; Nisha Singh - Miss Photogenic; Siddhi Patel - Miss Congeniality; Shivani Jonn - Miss Talent; and Krushangi Maisuria - Miss Best Dressed and Rozana Tamis - Miss Face Book.

Mrs. Anita Bhat, President and CEO of Diva America Inc. who also serves as the Chairperson of GOPIO-CT Trustees, said that Miss India Connecticut was the first beauty pageant to introduce BMI (Body Mass Index) as one of the selection criteria for the contestants. 

"We believe that the Fashion Industry influences our next generation in its attitude towards health and fitness. To target the Fashion Industry, we have introduced BMI and we hope that by bringing this awareness, we can help reduce obesity, anorexia, bulimia, low self-esteem and depression amongst the next generation. If we succeed in bringing about this change in other beauty pageants, it will be historic!"  Anita Bhat said.

Photo - Miss India CT Pageant Winners, from l. to r. First Runner-Up is Devisha Patel, Winner Nidhi Bhimani and Second Runner-up is Shivani Jonn.