Our Bureau
Stamford, CT
The Global Organization of People of Indian Origin–Connecticut Chapter (GOPIO-CT) commemorated India’s Independence Day on August 15 with a flag-hoisting ceremony at the Stamford Government Center, celebrating India’s 79th Independence Day and the enduring contributions of Indian Americans to Connecticut and the United States.
The chief guest was Connecticut State Senator Bob Duff, Senate Majority Leader. Also attending were Janeene Freeman, Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion and representative of Stamford Mayor Caroline Simmons; Nitin Mhatre, President and CEO of First County Bank; Pilar Pelaez, President of the Stamford Mayor’s Multicultural Council; GOPIO leaders; community representatives; and members of the Indian-American community.
During the ceremony, the American flag was raised by Senator Duff as the U.S. national anthem was sung. This was followed by the singing of the Indian national anthem and the raising of the Indian tricolor by Nitin Mhatre. The Connecticut state flag was raised by Janeene Freeman.
Following the flag-hoisting, Senator Duff and Ms. Freeman addressed the gathering and praised GOPIO-CT for organizing programs that preserve and celebrate Indian heritage while strengthening the community’s engagement with the broader Stamford and Connecticut community.
The ceremony brought together elected officials, community leaders, business representatives, and Indian American community and friends to honor India’s independence while celebrating the diversity, democratic values, and shared aspirations that connect the Indian-American community with the United States.
Independence Day Luncheon and Lecture
Following the flag-hoisting ceremony, attendees gathered at the Hampton Inn & Suites for a luncheon and an address by Dr. Sunil Purushotham, Associate Professor of History at Fairfield University. A historian of modern South Asia, Dr. Purushotham’s research focuses on the history of sovereignty and democracy in India, Indian political thought, and global intellectual history. His book, From Raj to Republic: Sovereignty, Violence and Democracy in India, was published by Stanford University Press in 2021.
Sushanth Krishnamurthy, Chair of the GOPIO-CT Independence Day Program, opened the luncheon program and introduced GOPIO-CT President Mahesh Jhangiani, who welcomed the attendees and expressed appreciation to the elected officials, community leaders, sponsors, volunteers, and members of the community who participated in the celebration.
Dr. Thomas Abraham, Chairman of GOPIO International and an Advisor and Trustee of GOPIO-CT, highlighted GOPIO’s longstanding international presence. Founded in New York in 1989, GOPIO has grown into a global organization with more than 100 chapters in over 30 countries.
Dr. Abraham also highlighted the recent establishment of the Connecticut-India Trade Commission, legislation for which was signed by Governor Ned Lamont. He noted that GOPIO had played an important role in supporting the legislation, including by providing testimony in support of the initiative.
He further spoke about the recent launch of the GOPIO Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI)–Connecticut Chapter at the Connecticut State Capitol. The chapter was launched following the signing of the Connecticut-India Trade Commission legislation by Governor Lamont. Dr. Abraham encouraged Indian-American small and medium-sized business owners, entrepreneurs, and professional practitioners to become involved with GCCI, emphasizing its potential to connect businesses and professionals locally, nationally, globally, and with India. He also introduced GCCI Treasurer Prasad Chintalapudi.
A central message of the celebration was that Indian Americans can be “proud to be Americans and proud to be Indians.” Speakers emphasized that celebrating Indian heritage and American identity are complementary, reflecting the community’s commitment to both its cultural roots and its contributions to the United States.
The program also recognized the approaching 250th anniversary of American independence, providing an opportunity to reflect on the ideals of freedom, democracy, and pluralism shared by the two nations. Nitin Mhatre, President and CEO of First County Bank, also addressed the gathering and conveyed his Independence Day greetings.
Pilar Pelaez, President of the Stamford Mayor’s Multicultural Council, spoke about the importance of cultural diversity in Stamford. She noted that the council represents the many cultures and ethnicities that contribute to the character and vitality of the city and emphasized the importance of enabling residents to celebrate and take pride in their heritage.
Dr. Sunil Purushotham Discusses the Significance of August 15
The keynote speaker, Dr. Sunil Purushotham, holds a doctorate in History from the University of Cambridge and has written extensively on modern South Asian history. His address focused on a fundamental question: What is the significance of August 15?
Dr. Purushotham discussed the challenges involved in interpreting history, particularly when political parties and competing ideological perspectives offer different accounts of the past. He emphasized the importance of examining historical events carefully and critically, noting that political rivalries can sometimes obscure a fuller understanding of history.
He described August 15, 1947, as representing far more than the end of British colonial rule. It marked the beginning of a new era in which India sought to establish itself as a democratic nation committed to representative government, equality, peaceful governance, and the rejection of caste-based discrimination and prejudice.
“1947 brought an end to kingship and it was replaced by the will and sovereignty of the people,” Dr. Purushotham said, describing the transformation of India’s political system and its aspirations for a more equal society.
He placed Indian independence within the broader history of decolonization in Asia, describing India’s emergence as an important development in the global history of freedom, self-government, and democracy.
Dr. Purushotham also drew connections between historical milestones such as 1776, 1946, and 1947, while reflecting on the challenges confronting societies today. He emphasized that history continues to shape how people understand the present and envision the future.
He noted that historical interpretation remains highly relevant, including in the American legal system, where courts such as the U.S. Supreme Court frequently examine historical context in addressing questions of law and constitutional interpretation.
Despite the challenges facing contemporary societies, Dr. Purushotham expressed optimism about the future. He pointed to the growing participation of young people in protests, civic activities, and public discourse as evidence that a new generation is actively thinking about the kind of society and future it wants to create.
The GOPIO-CT Independence Day celebration thus served not only as a commemoration of India’s independence but also as an opportunity to reflect on democracy, freedom, equality, cultural identity, and civic participation.
As the Indian American community continues to grow and strengthen its presence in Connecticut and throughout the United States, GOPIO-CT’s celebration underscored the importance of preserving cultural heritage while contributing actively to the larger American community.
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.