Our Bureau
Stamford, CT
India got its independence from the British in 1947. To mark the 77th 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 Park Collaborative to host India Festival in Stamford to commemorate Indian Independence, when the then Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru raised the Indian flag at the Red Fort in New Delhi on August 15, 1947.
“The Indian American community has done very well in Corporate America and now in political arena too and in Connecticut it is a growing community consisting generally IT and management professionals, healthcare workers and a large number of entrepreneurs in hospitality, Hedge Fund and small businesses,” said Dr. Thomas Abraham, Chairman of GOPIO International and Trustee/Advisor to GOPIO-CT.
Everyone is invited to this celebration which will start with hoisting of American, Indian and Connecticut flags at the Stamford Government Center on Sunday, August 11th at 11.30 a.m. Following the flag hoisting, at 12.00 Noon, there is an official ceremony to celebrate Indian Independence Day at the adjacent Mill River Park Carousel Hall (corner Broad St. and Mill River St., Stamford). Honored guests are Stamford Mayor Caroline Simmons, Darien First Selectman Jon Zagrodzky, CT State Senator Ryan Fazio (Senate 36th District, Greenwich/Stamford/New Canaan), CT Senator Bob Duff (Norwalk/Darien), CT Senator Patricia Billie Miller (Senate 27th District Stamford/Darien), and State Representatives Matt Blumenthal (147th District, Stamford/Darien), Anabel Figueroa (148th District, Stamford) and Rachel Khanna (149th Greenwich/Stamford).
After the ceremony, starting at 1 p.m., Mill River Park will witness Kite flying and an India Festival with colorful Folk and Classical Dances of India, Music and Bollywood Dances. There will be vendors for Indian food, Indian arts and crafts, Indian clothing and other items. Admission is FREE for both events. Free limited Carousel rides will be provided for small children. One can bring own kite. A limited number of kites will be available free.
Dr. Anita Mathur
Stamford resident Dr. Anita Mathur will be honored with the 2024 Indian Independence Liberty Award. Having completed a long career at the United Nations, Dr. Mathur has a history of active community engagement and a great volunteer with GOPIO-CT. Serving as a GOPIO Board Member since 2018, Dr. Mathur has contributed to key GOPIO initiatives, including the Stamford Hospital Bennet Cancer Center Walkathon, Ferguson Public Library, Youth Mental Health Alliance and others. She is currently also serving in many non-profit community service organizations.
The celebration is hosted by Mill River Park Collaborative and the sponsors are First County Bank, Keller William Prestige Properties Associate Sonali Zullurwar and Braj Aggarwal CPA. The main organizer is GOPIO-CT President Dr. Jaya Daptardar and the program is chaired by GOPIO-CT Secretary Sushanth Krishnamurthy and Co-Chaired by GOPIO-CT Board member Sonali Gannu.
Over the last 19 years, GOPIO-CT, a chapter of GOPIO International has become an active and dynamic organization hosting interactive sessions with policy makers 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.
