Our Bureau
Dallas, TX
The Global Organization for People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) officially launched its Dallas Chapter during a prestigious ceremony at Bhartiya Nivas in Dallas, Texas. The event brought together a broad cross-section of the Indian diaspora and marked a significant milestone in strengthening community advocacy and representation across North Texas. It served as a high-profile gathering of diplomatic representatives, community leaders, and professionals united by a shared vision for the region’s rapidly growing Indian-origin population.
The ceremony reached a defining moment with a traditional lamp-lighting, symbolizing unity and new beginnings. The inauguration was led by Consul General of India in Houston, D.C. Manjunath, alongside GOPIO International Chairman Dr. Thomas Abraham and GOPIO International President Prakash Shah. They were joined by local leadership, including Chapter President Muthu Mudaliar, Executive Vice President Vinoth Mani, and Joint Treasurer Bharat Bhakta.
The program started with rendering of the National Anthem of the USA and India. After the lighting ceremony, Masti Academy Dance Group presented a Bollywood dance.
Distinguished Guests and Keynote Address
Consul General D.C. Manjunath attended as Chief Guest and delivered the keynote address. He commended GOPIO’s 36-year legacy and emphasized that the Dallas Chapter would serve as a vital bridge connecting local communities with global initiatives. He underscored the important role of the Indian diaspora in strengthening Indo–U.S. relations and highlighted GOPIO’s continued commitment to safeguarding the interests of Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) worldwide.
Dr. Thomas Abraham, GOPIO Founder and Chairman, reflected on the organization’s historic achievements and global impact. GOPIO International President Prakash Shah also addressed attendees, reinforcing the organization’s mission and future direction. Local leaders, including Chapter President Muthu Mudaliar and Joint Treasurer Bharat Bhakta, spoke about the importance of establishing a Dallas chapter and encouraged community members to actively participate.
Indian American political leaders, including Frisco Councilman Burt Thakur and local assembly candidate Sanjay Narayan, delivered felicitation remarks to mark the occasion. Houston Community leader Sam Kannappan was honored in recognition of his contributions.
Cultural and Community Highlights
The program was emceed by Shabnam Modgil and featured a blend of ceremonial and cultural elements that reflected the vibrancy of the Indian diaspora:
- A traditional lamp-lighting ceremony involving dignitaries, founding members, and Dallas chapter leadership
- Energetic cultural performances choreographed by Masti Academy, showcasing the richness of Indian heritage
- Strong participation from leaders representing prominent Indian community organizations across the region
A Vision for Dallas
The establishment of the GOPIO Dallas Chapter comes in response to the rapid growth of the Indian population in the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex, as noted in recent Malayalam media reports. The chapter aims to provide a unified platform for professional networking, social advocacy, and cultural preservation while fostering greater civic engagement within the community.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Executive Vice President Vinoth Mani, followed by a networking session over light refreshments.
Post-Launch Engagement
Following the inauguration, the newly formed chapter hosted a luncheon meeting on March 30, 2026, bringing together diaspora small and medium business owners and professional practitioners. The session explored the potential establishment of a Dallas Chapter of the GOPIO Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) at A2B Indian Vegetarian Restaurant.
The meeting was addressed by Dr. Thomas Abraham and Chapter President Muthu Mudaliar, and moderated by Executive Vice President Vinoth Mani. A presentation was followed by an interactive question-and-answer session with active audience participation. GCCI aims to create a robust network connecting diaspora businesses locally, nationally, and globally.
About GOPIO-Dallas-TX – Founded to advance the interests and global engagement of people of Indian origin, GOPIO is a non-profit, non-partisan, and secular organization. GOPIO-Dallas-TX Chapter plans to organize civic, cultural, educational, and youth-focused programs; facilitating dialogue with policymakers and thought leaders; and collaborating with partner organizations to strengthen community engagement and public service.
