Our Bureau
Stamford, CT
Leaders of the Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) USA, together with representatives of Indian American community organizations, convened on January 19, 2026, to address the rising incidence of anti-Indian and anti-Hindu sentiment in the United States and to develop a constructive response rooted in civic responsibility and democratic values.
The meeting was chaired and moderated by Dr. Thomas Abraham, Chairman of GOPIO USA, who presented an overview of the challenges facing the community and outlined potential strategic responses. Prakash Shah, President of GOPIO International, noted that recent hostility and anti-Indian rhetoric appear to be driven by a small fringe group from the extreme right and do not reflect mainstream American values.
Participants reaffirmed that the Indian American community is peaceful, law-abiding, and socially constructive, with no history of organized violence or social aggression. While isolated misunderstandings may occur—as they do in broader society—the community’s overall record reflects overwhelmingly positive contributions to American civic life, economic growth, and social cohesion.
Leaders highlighted the Indian diaspora’s significant contributions to education, information technology, medicine, hospitality, finance, entrepreneurship, and public service. Indian Americans serve in leadership roles across numerous Fortune 500 companies and account for approximately 20% of Silicon Valley startups. Collectively, Indian Americans contribute an estimated $600 billion annually to the U.S. economy, underscoring the community’s deep integration into and commitment to American society.
Strategic and Measured Response
Participants observed that recent increases in online hostility and bias incidents are driven less by crime or lack of integration and more by economic anxiety, the politicization of skilled immigration, racial profiling, and the amplification of stereotypes through digital platforms.
Leaders agreed that these challenges must be addressed through measured, strategic, and responsible engagement—rather than confrontation—to safeguard both community safety and constitutional values.
To that end, GOPIO will establish a dedicated committee to document bias incidents, provide support to affected individuals, and coordinate a constructive public response. The committee will also collaborate with other minority and faith-based organizations to strengthen solidarity and uphold democratic norms.
Strengthening Civic Engagement and Integration
A key theme of the meeting was reinforcing assimilation alongside cultural pride. Leaders emphasized the importance of full participation in civic institutions, local communities, and democratic processes.
The group discussed expanding voter engagement, civic education, youth leadership development, and bipartisan outreach initiatives to promote long-term inclusion and meaningful civic participation. Community members were also encouraged to actively engage in local activities and support charitable and interfaith initiatives.
Key Recommendations from the Meeting
- Document and address bias incidents through a coordinated monitoring, reporting, and support framework.
- Strengthen civic engagement and assimilation, including voter participation, community service, and interfaith and intercultural collaboration.
- Proactively highlight positive contributions in education, healthcare, technology, finance, entrepreneurship, and public service.
- Build coalitions with other communities to advance shared values of pluralism, inclusion, and social harmony.
- Engage constructively with media and policymakers to distinguish legitimate policy debate from harmful stereotyping and digital hate.
Commitment to Unity and Responsible Leadership
Leaders emphasized the importance of community unity, collaboration among existing organizations, and avoiding duplication of efforts. GOPIO reaffirmed its commitment to serving as a trusted and inclusive platform for constructive dialogue, institutional engagement, and positive storytelling about the Indian diaspora’s role in strengthening democratic societies.
“The Indian diaspora’s story is one of peaceful integration, civic contribution, and shared prosperity,” participants noted. “Our response to current challenges must reflect those same values—measured, principled, inclusive, and focused on strengthening the societies we proudly call home.”
Action Plan
GOPIO has established a Task Force to document hate campaigns and civil rights violations affecting the community. The Task Force members are Rajender Dichpally (Chair), Nagaraj Subbarao Sarma, Pankaj Sharma, Miraj Joshi and Jayashri Chintalapudi. GOPIO has requested community members to report any hate campaign against Indian American community or any civil rights violation to GOPIO’s exclusive email address at [email protected] or call 203-329-8010.
