Our Bureau
New York, NY
The Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) successfully hosted its December 2025 webinar, “Diaspora Indians – Trailblazers in Global Business Success,” on January 10, 2026. Held virtually, the webinar brought together distinguished diaspora business leaders from the United States, the United Kingdom, Africa, and India to reflect on the challenges, resilience, and achievements of Indians who built global business success after emigrating from India—often with very limited financial resources.
The webinar opened with welcome remarks by Mr. Sunil Vuppula, GOPIO Associate Secretary and Chair of the Monthly Webinar Series, who introduced GOPIO Chairman Dr. Thomas Abraham and GOPIO International President Mr. Prakash Shah.
Opening Remarks and Historical Context
Dr. Abraham welcomed participants with greetings marking Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, observed on January 9, commemorating the return of Mahatma Gandhi from South Africa to India—a pivotal moment in India’s struggle for independence. He briefly outlined GOPIO’s founding in New York in 1989 and its global mission.
“The Indian Diaspora today represents one of the most compelling success stories in global business and enterprise. From pioneering industrialists and innovative entrepreneurs to leaders of major multinational corporations, members of the Diaspora have demonstrated exceptional resilience, entrepreneurial excellence, and strategic vision. Their achievements have made a lasting global impact and continue to inspire generations of Indians worldwide,” said Dr. Abraham.
Mr. Prakash Shah traced the deep historical roots of the Indian diaspora, noting that Indian influence abroad dates back centuries. He cited the construction of the Angkor Wat temple complex in Cambodia and highlighted the journey of Indians taken as indentured laborers to Africa and the Caribbean under British rule—communities that today include some of the most successful business leaders in those regions.
Keynote and Panel Discussion
Mr. Shah introduced the webinar moderator, Mr. Anil Bansal, President of First National Realty Management. Mr. Bansal shared his own entrepreneurial journey—from founding and selling a successful technology company to establishing Indus American Bank in New Jersey and later becoming a prominent real estate investor.
Mr. Bansal then introduced the keynote speaker, Dr. Bhuvan Lall, a noted writer, biographer, and documentary producer known for his works on Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, Lala Har Dayal, and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Dr. Lall is currently producing a Hollywood film project.
Diaspora Indian Entrepreneurs’ Global Impact
Dr. Lall spoke on the global success of Indian entrepreneurs and trailblazers, emphasizing their ability to preserve Indian values while achieving international recognition. He highlighted iconic figures such as Prof. Amar Gopal Bose, founder of Bose Corporation, and Lord Rami Ranger, who rose from humble beginnings to become a major business leader and a member of the UK House of Lords. Dr. Lall underscored the importance of leveraging the Indian diaspora as a strategic global asset and called for stronger collaboration between the Indian government, embassies, and diaspora organizations.
Insights from Distinguished Business Leaders
Dr. Kali Pradip Chaudhuri, Founder and Chairman of the KPC Group, emphasized the need for Indians to focus on present and future challenges rather than resting on past achievements. He highlighted India’s growing economic strength and its potential under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, encouraging Indians worldwide to lead in knowledge, innovation, and education.
Lord Rami Ranger shared his personal journey from India to the United Kingdom, describing how values, education, and long-term vision enabled him to grow a business from £2 into a multi-million-pound enterprise. He stressed the importance of political engagement and civic participation by the Indian diaspora and spoke about his efforts to promote a UK–India free trade agreement and defense manufacturing cooperation.
In response to a question on young Indian physicians, Dr. Chaudhuri emphasized cultural pride, education, and the teaching of Indian languages and history to preserve identity among future generations. Lord Ranger reflected on India’s civilizational heritage and its influence on global cultures, stressing unity and education as key strengths.
Immigration, Nonprofits, and Economic Perspectives
Attorney and CPA Ms. Navneet Chugh provided insights into Indian immigration to the United States, noting that approximately 5.2 million Indians have entered the country since 1965. She highlighted the Indian American community’s high levels of education and income and discussed the critical role of the U.S. nonprofit sector, which accounts for nearly 10% of the U.S. economy with revenues of approximately $1.8 trillion.
Ms. Chugh also addressed economic disparities between India and China, noting that while both countries had similar per capita incomes in 1978, China’s per capita income reached approximately $17,000 by 2023, compared to India’s $4,000—resulting in a significant economic gap.
Audience Interaction and Closing Reflections
During the audience interaction, Dr. Abraham explained GOPIO’s evolution—from its initial focus on addressing human rights violations against Indian communities worldwide to its current emphasis on political integration, civic engagement, and community service through nonprofit initiatives.
Mr. Prakash Shah emphasized the importance of technology in connecting the global Indian community through regular webinars, while Mr. Anil Bansal encouraged greater participation by younger members, including Ms. Manasvi Mangai, representing the next generation of Indian leadership.
A concluding panel discussion explored India’s progress and global challenges. Ms. Chugh highlighted India’s potential to become a developed nation by 2047, while Mr. Shah discussed India’s economic strength in purchasing power parity terms and the need to boost exports. Panelists shared personal journeys and stressed the importance of community involvement and integration.
Conclusion
The program concluded with a vote of thanks by GOPIO Chairman Dr. Thomas Abraham, who also announced an upcoming meeting on the Indian Diaspora Museum Project, scheduled for Saturday, January 17, 2026. Technical support for the webinar was provided by GOPIO Associate Secretary Ms. Vatsala Upadhyay.
About GOPIO – Founded in 1989, GOPIO is a non-partisan, not-for-profit, secular organization with Individual Life Members and chapter delegates from over 100 chapters in 36 countries. GOPIO’s volunteers are committed to enhancing cooperation and communication between NRIs/PIOs and the local communities, building networks, bonds, friendships, alliances, and the camaraderie of citizens and colleagues alike. GOPIO volunteers believe that when they help network the global Indian community, they facilitate making tomorrow a better world for the Indian Diaspora, the countries they live in and India.
