Our Bureau
Brisbane
The Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO International) successfully held Convention 2025 from March 28 to 30 at the Brisbane Marriott in Australia. It marked a significant milestone for GOPIO. Among the distinguished attendees were the Hon David Crisafulli MP – Premier of Queensland, the Rt Hon Lord Mayor of Brisbane – Adrian Schrinner, the first full Consul General of India in Queensland – Hon Ms Neetu Bhagotia, Queensland Senator Paul Scarr, and University of Queensland Chancellor Peter Varghese, all of whom contributed to the event’s vibrant spirit and success.
Special mention must be made of key figures such as GOPIO Founder and current Chairman Dr Thomas Abraham, GOPIO International President Mr Prakash Shah, Convention Convener Mr Umesh Chandra OAM (GOPIO International Executive Vice President and Editor-in-chief of GOPIO News, GOPIO Vice President Kewal Kanda, Secretary Siddharth Jain, several GOPIO chapter presidents, along with influential leaders like entrepreneur and Springfield City Founder Dr Maha Sinnathamby and former honorary Consul for India in Queensland Mrs Archana Singh. The event also welcomed countless professors, researchers, tech entrepreneurs, visionaries, and changemakers from around the globe, creating a rich tapestry of knowledge and experience.
The convention’s theme, “The Diaspora Role in Shaping Future Technologies,” was timely and pertinent, reflecting the increasing influence of the Indian diaspora in global technological advancements. The program featured a diverse range of sessions, beginning with a Welcome Reception that set the tone for the event, followed by a series of engaging conferences on March 29.
Welcoming remarks from Umesh Chandra OAM, the Convention Convener, and an inspiring address by Dr. Thomas Abraham marked the inaugural session. The chief guest, Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner, provided insights into local governance and community engagement while concluding remarks by Mr Prakash Shah encapsulated the spirit of collaboration that defined the convention.
One of the key tracks, titled “Diaspora Role in Shaping Future Technologies,” featured sessions that explored groundbreaking topics such as artificial intelligence in healthcare, nanotechnology, and biomedical innovations. Notable speakers included Professor Rajendra Acharya, who discussed the application of AI in healthcare, and Dr. Ajay Pandey, who presented on integrated photonic systems. The discussions highlighted how these technologies can bridge gaps in patient care and enhance healthcare delivery.
In another impactful session, participants delved into the roles of NRIs (Non-Resident Indians) and PIOs (Persons of Indian Origin) in achieving common goals. This session facilitated a dialogue on how these two groups, despite their diverse backgrounds and experiences, can work together to address issues like discrimination, civil rights, and economic opportunities. The panel was moderated by Professor Rajasekhar Vangapaty and featured voices from various backgrounds, including Rohit Vyas, Kewal Kanda, and Professor Mohan Thite.
The convention also spotlighted the invaluable contributions of diaspora women, who play vital roles as cultural bridge-builders while navigating the complexities of their identities in new environments. This session was moderated by Nandini Sen Mehra and brought together successful women from across the globe to share their experiences and strategies for balancing family, culture, and professional ambitions.
Youth engagement was another critical focus of the convention, with a session dedicated to the role of diaspora youth in the global movement. Under the guidance of Vasu Pawar, the session showcased young achievers who are leveraging modern communication tools and social media to create positive change. Speakers included promising young talents who shared their journeys and the impact they aspire to make within their communities.
On March 30, the GOPIO held its General Body Meeting in person as per the bylaws. During this meeting, Dr. Thomas Abraham was reelected as the Chairman of GOPIO International, reaffirming his leadership and vision for the organization.
Throughout the convention, the spirit of networking was palpable, as attendees exchanged ideas and forged connections that will undoubtedly lead to future collaborations. The event concluded with a session on the GOPIO Chamber of Commerce and Industry, emphasizing the importance of global networking for diaspora businesses and SMEs in India.
Overall, the GOPIO International Convention 2025 was a resounding success, celebrating the achievements of the Indian diaspora and exploring the collective potential to shape future technologies. It provided an enriching platform for dialogue, collaboration, and understanding, leaving participants inspired and motivated to contribute further to their communities and beyond.
Following the convention, GOPIO leaders are visiting Fiji, New Zealand and Sydney meeting GOPIO leaders and launching its Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI).
