Our Bureau
Stamford, CT
As in the previous years, Connecticut State Assembly has issued a citation to honor Global Organization of People of Indian Origin – Connecticut Chapter (GOPIO-CT) for its India Day Celebration commemorating the 79th Anniversary of India’s Independence. The official citation was initiated by Senator Patricia Billie Miller and introduced by nine other Senators and State Representatives. It congratulated GOPIO-CT for promoting awareness of Indian culture, customs and the substantial contribution of Indian Americans to various fields. The citation also recognized GOPIO-CT for supporting many charities in Connecticut. The citation was signed by CT General Assembly’s Pro Tempore Marten M. Looney, House Speaker Matt Ritter and Secretary of State Stephanie Thomas.
Stamford Mayor Caroline Simmoins issued a proclamation in recognition of India’s Independence and congratulating GOPIO-CT for its services and contributions to Stamford. It was presented by Mayor’s Representative Janeene Freeman who is Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion at the mayor’s office. The proclamation had words of thanks to GOPIO-CT for its services and support of many charitable service providers in the Fairfield County
The proclamation noted, “In the last 20 years, GOPIO-CT has supported many service organizations in Connecticut including Future 5, Women’s Mentoring Network, Children’s Learning Center, Teach for America, Building One Community, Grass Roots of Stamford and Norwalk, Mill River Park Collaborative, Connecticut Institute for Refugees and Immigrants, Norwalk Community College, Dollar for Scholars, New Covenant Center and other food pantries in Fairfield County, Person to Person, and the Stamford Hospital Foundation, and its Bennet Cancer Center.”
The program started with GOPIO-CT Secretary Mirat Joshi serving as the MC, who opened the India Independence Day program by welcoming guests to sing the American National Anthem, followed by the Indian National Anthem.
Joshi highlighted GOPIO-CT recently celebrating its 20th anniversary and directed his appreciation to all the past and existing GOPIO-CT members. He adds that Indian Americans are making progress in shaping American science, ecology, business, art, and public service. “As members of the Indian diaspora we represent the bridge between the two democracies. The world’s greatest, the largest, and the world’s oldest. Our two democracies share a lot through economic, innovative, cultural, and educational eyes. At the heart of this relation is the Indian diaspora.” says Mike Joshi in reference to the prospering relationship between India and the U.S. Joshi ends his speech by discussing how GOPIO-CT celebrates the culture, heritage, and traditions of India that at its core focuses on giving back to local communities and passing along these great values to the next generation of Indian Americans.
The India Day Program Chair Sushanth Krishnamurthy, the Event Chair for the India Independence Day celebration welcomed guests to the program. Apart from GOPIO-CT representatives such as President Mahesh Jhangiani and GOPIO International Chairman Dr. Thomas Abrahams, Krishnamurthy introduced Indian Consul Upendra Negi, Senator Sujata Gadkar-Wilcox, and Stamford City’s Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for Stamford CT Janeene Freeman, and Representative Jonathan Jacobsen.
GOPIO-CT President, Mahesh Jhangiani acknowledged August 15th, 1947 as the day India gained independence from British colonial rule. Jhangiani recognized India Day not only as a celebration of Indian American culture and traditions, but as a day to recognize the people who celebrate them. He notes that at the core of Indian American and GOPIO beliefs is the idea that one’s wellbeing is connected to the wellbeing of those around them. Jhangiani connects this belief to a well-known prayer. “May all be happy. May all be free from illness. May all see what is good. May no one suffer,” he reads. The prayer is not about a specific community or a particular family but instead focuses on the wellbeing of others. He concludes his statement by stating the importance of being proud of all aspects of being Indian American.
GOPIO International Chairman Dr. Thomas Abraham discussed the history of India’s Independence, noting the millions of Indians worked towards separating from British colonial rule. He used this story to show how India was once challenged in the face of poverty and limited resources, and yet the country managed to choose democracy. India may not have been the first Democracy; however, India proved to the world that Democracy was sustainable even in a country plagued with adversity. Abraham adds that India is moving towards valuable scientific, economic, and social progress that is allowing it to slowly emerge as one of the leading economies on a global scale. He concluded his remarks by recognizing core Indian values, “Democracy, freedom, justice, tolerance, and peace,” Abraham stated.
Dr. Abraham also highlights that Indian Americans are gaining more visibility through working in political spaces and even helping out in local communities. Dr. Abraham concluded his remarks by highlighting GOPIO-CT’s newest achievement, 10 days ago, Connecticut Governor Ned Lammont signed legislation to establish a Connecticut-India Trade Commission and he also inaugurated GOPIO Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) – Connecticut Chapter.
Indian Consulate was represented by Consul for Culture Upendra Negi, who has just joined the Consulate four months back. He conveyed greetings from Consula General Binaya Srikanta Pradhan. Furthe he complimented the Indian American community for its achievements and thanked forr its contributions to India.
Senator Sujata Gadkar-Wilcox, who had earlier served as a member of the GOPIO-CT Board, was recognized as the first Indian American Senator and the first female Senator who is of South Asian descent. In her remarks she acknowledged the diversification of Connecticut and the importance of Indian Americans being well represented in public spaces. Gadkar-Wilcox notes the progress Indian Americans and GOPIO has made in making this happen with Diwali now being recognized as an official holiday in the State of Connecticut, as well as the promising new Connecticut-India Trade Commission that Dr. Thomas Abraham previously mentioned.
She concludes her remarks with a story of how she was born on July 4th, also known as American Independence Day, in her hometown of Queens. Gadkar-Wilcox connects her Indian roots to her upbringing in America. “It’s an immigrant story that becomes the American story,” she said. She tells this story because even being born in America, she continues to receive hate within her career regarding her Indian American identity. However, despite the adversity she has received in online spaces, Gadkar-Wilcox notes that the future for representation of Indian Americans is looking brighter each year. Gadkar-Wilcox notes that Fairfield County and Hartford County alone have the highest concentration of Indian Americans in Connecticut, and the largest foreign-born population in the nation.
Connecticut Assemblyman Jonathan Jacobson, Representative of the 148th district and a lifelong Stamford resident talked about India’s ideology during their non-violent revolution for independence. Accompanied by his son, he notes that it was based on a world of peace, democracy, and one free from violence. Amongst the current political atmosphere, he discussed that it can be difficult to navigate through an environment full of hate for a person’s skin color or place of origin. However, Jacobson commends India’s journey for independence and provides words of hope for future generations.
GOPIO-CT’s Liberty Award was also presented by President Mahesh Jhangiani at the event. The purpose of this most esteemed GOPIO-CT award is to acknowledge a member’s selfless contributions to both the GOPIO-CT chapter and their local community.
The 2026 Liberty Awardee was Prachi Narayan. Narayan is an Indian American from Banaras, the cultural capital of India renowned for its immaculate textile craftsmanship. Prachi Narayan was recognized from this award due to her achievement in founding Kaashi. Her company directly supports and elevates the local weavers and craftsmen of her hometown. “Prachi is a pillar of her local community, a great volunteer having served as an active member of GOPIO-CT for over a decade, including the last tenure as its Vice President,” Jhangiani adds.
Narayan accepted the award with gratitude, both for the GOPIO CT committee but also her local community. “Thank you all for recognizing me, but this award goes to all of you,” she said.
Janeene Freeman, the Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) for Stamford CT spoke on behalf of Stamford’s Mayor, Caroline Simmons. Freeman read a proclamation from Stamford Mayor, recognizing the service GOPIO-CT has done over the past 20 years. She notes companies such as Future 5, Women’s Mentoring Network, Teach for America, and many other notable organizations that have all been greatly impacted by their collaboration with GOPIO-CT. The proclamation concluded with Mayor Caroline Simmons recognizing August 9th as Indian Independence Day for the city of Stamford CT.
Senator Patricia Billie Miller thanked the contributions GOPIO-CT has made for not only Connecticut but throughout the world. Miller noted that everyone is an immigrant, and we all make up the story of America. She notes how beautiful while India celebrates its 79th anniversary of Independence, the U.S celebrates its 250th. To conclude the remarks, Miller calls for more peace in the world despite the hardships and asks that we build a deeper understanding for one another.
GOPIO-CT also honored all high school graduates from Fairfield County schools. The certificates were given by Dr. Abraham to recognize the next generation of Indian Americans.
Following the ceremony, people gathered throughout Stamford’s Mill River Park to commence the India Day Festival. The festival began with a celebration of Indian music, featuring drum pieces from Tamil Nadu followed by beautiful folk and classical Dances of India, as well as Bollywood music and dances. Groups of people joined together to celebrate this colorful celebration of culture. Over 40 performers presented their colorful dances and other cultural programs.
In addition to dancing, kite flying was offered at the event. People were encouraged to bring their own kites or receive a free one at the festival. The program additionally offered a variety of Indian food, clothing, jewelry, and other items. There were vendors, who displayed Indian arts and crafts, Indian clothing, and other items. Free Carousel rides were provided for young children.
GOPIO-CT also honored all high school graduates from lower Fairfield County schools. They were recognized with a certificate and Amazon gift card.
Sponsors of the event included, First County Bank, Hampton Inn Suites, Realtor Sonali Zullurwar of Keller Williams, Joe Simion and Shelly Nichani.
Over the last 20 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.