GOPIO-CT to celebrate India’s 76th anniversary  

The Indian American community will join for a celebration organized by the GOPIO-CT by hoisting American, Indian and Connecticut flags at the Government Center in Stamford on Sunday, August 6^th

^{Our Bureau}

Connecticut

To mark the 76th Anniversary of India’s independence, the Connecticut chapter of the Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO-CT) has joined hands with Stamford City and Mill River Collaborative to host India Festival in Stamford to commemorate India’s independence. “The Indian Diaspora in Connecticut is a growing community consisting generally of IT and management professionals, healthcare workers, and a large number of entrepreneurs in hospitality and small businesses,” said Dr Thomas Abraham, Chairman of GOPIO International and trustee/advisor to GOPIO-CT.

The Indian American community will join for a celebration organized by the GOPIO-CT by hoisting American, Indian and Connecticut flags at the Government Center in Stamford on Sunday, August 6^th at 11.30 a.m. Following the flag hoisting, at 12 noon, there is an official ceremony to celebrate Indian Independence Day at the adjacent Mill River Park. (corner Broad St and Mill River St Stamford). Stamford Mayor Caroline Simmons’ representative DEI Director Carmen Hughes, CT State Senator Ryan Fazio (Senate 36^th District, Greenwich, Stamford & New Canaan), State Representatives Matt Blumenthal (147th District, Stamford & Darien), David Michel (146^th District), Anabel Figueroa (148^th District, Stamford) and Domique Johnson (143^rd District, Norwalk & Westport), and Mill River Park Collaborative Chair Arnold Karp will be the honored guests.  

After the ceremony, the Mill River will witness Kite flying and an India Festival with colorful folk and classical dances of India and Bollywood dances and music.  There will be vendors for Indian food, Indian arts and crafts, Indian clothing and other items. 

Stamford resident Mrs Anita Bhat will be bestowed with Indian Independence Liberty Award for service to GOPIO-CT and for community service. Anita has been a familiar face in the community in Connecticut for 20 plus years volunteering her time wherever there is a need. A medical education administrator, Anita has been a volunteer with GOPIO-CT since 2007 and served as Secretary and President of the chapter. She also launched the first Miss India Connecticut under Diva America in 2009. Anita has been a driving force and energy behind many of the successful programs by GOPIO-CT Chapter.

The celebration is hosted by Mill River Park Collaborative. The sponsors are First County Bank, Sonali Zullurwar, Keller William Prestige Properties Associate and Braj Aggarwal CPA. GOPIO-CT President Jaya Daptardar will welcome everyone at the ceremony. The program is chaired by GOPIO-CT Executive Vice President Mahesh Jhangiani.

Over the last 18 years, GOPIO-CT, a chapter of GOPIO International has become an active and dynamic organization hosting interactive sessions with policymakers and academicians, community events, youth mentoring and networking workshops, and working with other area organizations to help create a better future. GOPIO-CT – Global Organization of People of Indian Origin – serves as a non-partisan, secular, civic, and community service organization – promoting awareness of Indian culture, customs, and contributions of people of Indian origin through community programs, forums, events, and youth activities. It seeks to strengthen partnerships and create an ongoing dialogue with local communities.