A Publication of the Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO)
Published Monthly
President Prakash Shah
Editor-in-Chief
Umesh Chandra OAM
Senior Editorial Advisor
Thomas Abraham
Editorial Assistant
Nami Kaur
GOPIO News Bulletin is a monthly newsletter published in English. No material, including advertisements designed by GOPIO News Bulletin, may be reproduced in part or who without the written consent of the manager. Opinions carried in GOPIO News Bulletin are those of the writers and not necessarily endorsed by GOPIO News Bulletin. GOPIO News Bulletin will not be held liable for any advertising / editorial content - Advertisers supply / approve content therefore should any content be deemed inappropriate it is the advertisers / correspondents responsibility. While every effort has been made to capture the true likeness to colour printing is an art and therefore we cannot guarantee an exact matching of product to image. Refund / Credit is not given as a result of the previous mentioned.
From the Editor:
Editor's Note
GOPIO INTERNATIONAL
Ioffer my sincere apologies for the delay in publication. Circumstances beyond my control delayed us this cycle, but I want to share what kept us both engaged and energised.
We had two major events in quick succession that absorbed our time and focus: GOPIO Qld India Day Fair, for which I served as the main coordinator, and the GOPIO Cairns Indian Festival the weekend after. Both events demanded substantial attention and effort, and I’m proud of what our chapters achieved.
On the health front, I must be candid: my well-being has not been at its best. My dialysis schedule has increased from twice weekly to three times weekly. The good news is that I’ve been cleared to be placed on the kidney transplant list. The ongoing challenge remains in finding a willing donor, but I remain hopeful that a viable solution will surface.
Congratulations to GOPIO Queensland for hosting another very successful India Day Fair. This year marked a record number of VIPs and dignitaries, with a notable presence of elected representatives from three levels of government. The highlight was the Rajasthani Dance Troupe, arranged by the Consulate General of India in Queensland in collaboration with the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR). GOPIO Queensland hosted its event on 17 August, while GOPIO Cairns held its event on 23 August. The Cairns function was a massive success, drawing a recordbreaking crowd of over 8,000 spectators. Both chapters have been flying high the flag of GOPIO. The Consulate General of India in Queensland, Mrs. Neetu Bhagotia ji, attended both functions, and I had the honour of representing GOPIO International at both events.
If you would like us to publish your letters, feedback, comments on any of our stories or suggest ideas columns or features, please send your submissions to: ceo@chantex.com.au
At the time of publication, there was growing concern about antiimmigration sentiment by a section of the Australian public. GOPIO International has written to the Prime Minister of Australia, Anthony Albanese, on this matter. Our community has been advised to remain calm but vigilant. The sentiment appears to favour a more sustainable immigration model rather than mass migration. We will monitor developments and provide a comprehensive report in the next bulletin. I commend the efforts of our senior team, who met online across various time zones to craft a constructive media release and response.
Going forward, we plan to publish a monthly bulletin. To make this sustainable, we will rely on the participation of everyone. Please submit entries by the 15th of each month. The preferred format is Word, with high-resolution photos attached separately (not embedded in the article). If any articles were missed in previous months, we welcome retrospective submissions to be published with a date heading.
CONTD. ON PG 16
GOPIO NEWS BULLETIN
GOPIO URGES AUSTRALIAN PRIME MINISTER TO ADDRESS
RISING ANTI-IMMIGRANT
SENTIMENT AHEAD OF PROTESTS
(Editor’s Note – This article was submitted on 29th August, further development will be reported in the next news bulletin.)
Australia — The Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) has urged Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to intervene amid mounting anti-immigrant sentiment, as protests are expected to loom across the country. In a formal letter, GOPIO emphasised the economic and social benefits that immigrants bring to Australia and urged the government to counter misinformation
with clear public messaging about the contributions of immigration.
The appeal centres on the idea that immigrants provide vital skill sets, technical training, and capabilities that bolster Australia’s economy and keep the nation competitive in the global technology race. GOPIO also highlighted the aging population challenge, arguing that younger immigrant workers help mitigate social and economic pressures associated with an aging demographic, a concern the organisation notes is observed in other developed nations such as Japan and parts of Europe.
In the letter addressed to Prime Minister Albanese, GOPIO urged the government to reinforce public understanding of immigration’s benefits and to pre-empt misinformation ahead of upcoming antiimmigrant demonstrations. The group emphasised that communicating the positive impact of immigration is essential for fostering social cohesion and national progress.
Dr. Thomas Abraham, founder president and chairman of GOPIO, asserted that in many developed Western countries, the Indian diaspora is among the most economically contributive
Australian PM - Anthony Albanese
GOPIO International Chairman - Dr. Thomas Abraham
GOPIO International Exe. Vice President - Umesh Chandra OAM
GOPIO International PresidentPrakash Shah
communities. He cited the United States, where Indian Americans have made significant contributions to the technology, hospitality, and healthcare sectors, helping to shape Silicon Valley’s success, as an example of the diaspora’s impact.
GOPIO President Prakash Shah underscored the aging population issue, reiterating that immigrants tend to be younger and thereby support the balance needed to maintain social stability. He contrasted this with agingrelated challenges in Japan and parts of Europe, where fewer younger workers put a strain on public systems.
Executive Vice President Umesh Chandra OAM, speaking from Brisbane, invoked the Australian National Anthem: “For those who’ve across the seas, We’ve boundless plains to share, With courage let us all combine”, to symbolise unity and shared prosperity across oceans and urged Prime
Minister Albanese to provide leadership that unites Australians in recognising immigration’s benefits. GOPIO, which describes itself as the largest Indian Diaspora organisation representing more than 35 million people of Indian origin living outside India, was founded in 1989. The group operates as a nonpartisan, not-for-profit, secular organisation with chapters in more than 100 locations across 36 countries. Its mission centres
on fostering cooperation between NRIs/PIOs and local communities and promoting social and economic engagement.
For media inquiries, GOPIO provided contact details for officials and representatives, including Sid Jain, the general secretary, and Rohit Vyas, the global media chair. The organisation noted that this article is based on its press release and statements from GOPIO representatives and is true at the time of publication.
Executive Council
GLOBAL ORGANIZATION OF PEOPLE OF INDIAN ORIGIN (GOPIO) INC. P.O. Box 1413, Stamford, CT 06904-1413, USA
Tel + l 203-329-8010, gopio@optonline.net, www.gopio.net
August 25, 2025
Chairman: Thomas Abraham
President: Prakash Shah
Executive Vice President: Umesh Chandra
Vice President: Kewal Kanda
Global Ambassador: J. Nami Kaur
General Secretary: Siddharth Jain (SID)
Associate Secretary: Sunil Robert Vuppula
Treasurer: Jigar Shah
International Coordinators
Africa: lshwar Ramlutchman
North America: Rajasekhar Vangapaty
Oceania: Shivani Arora
South Asia: Dheeraj Ahuja
Board of Advisors:
Co-Chairs:
Padma Shri H R Shah, CEO TV Asia
Lord Rami Ranger, MP House of Lords, UK
Members:
Lord Bhikhu Parekh, MP House of Lords, UK
Biman Prasad, Deputy PM& Finance Minister of Fiji
Anil Dave, Former Supreme Court Justice of India
Vithalbhai D. Dhaduk, Med Doctor & Senior Pharmaceutical Exec.
Ram Gadhavi, Former VP and a Founder of GOPIO
Raj Purohit, Former Maharashtra Cabinet Minister and current VP
Maharashtra BJP
Omie Singh, Former Member of Parliament of South Africa
Mookhesswur Choonee, Former Minister of Mauritius
T P Srinivasan, former Indian Ambassador to USA
His Excellency Anthony Albanese Prime Minister of Australia
Dear PM Anthony Albanese, Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) represents the 35+ million strong diaspora of People of Indian Origin living outside of India.
In many developed Western countries, the Indian diaspora is considered as the top economically contributing community. For example, in the USA, the Indian American community has contributed abundantly to creating new generation technology companies, hospitality and healthcare as well as contributed to the success of the Silicon Valley.
In light of the recent protests and concerns expressed, we are writing to underscore the positive contributions of immigrants coming to Australia. Most of the immigrants coming to Australia are bringing skillsets, technical training and capabilities that are boosting Australia’s economy and are enabling Australia to remain competitive in the world. Our world is rapidly moving forward with major technological advancements. The contribution of immigrants has been of critical importance for the growth and advancement of Australia.
Another critical issue is related to the aging of population. Immigrants are younger and help Australia reduce the impact and problems of aging population.
In Japan and many countries of Europe, the aging population is creating a social imbalance because fewer younger workers have to support a higher population of older retired workers. By bringing in this younger workforce Australia is better able to maintain this vital social balance.
It is critical that this important information is conveyed to those that may have misunderstood the positive aspects of immigration into Australia.
GOPIO Executive VP Umesh Chandra OAM from Brisbane Australia would like to quote from the Australian National Anthem: ‘For those who’ve across the seas We’ve boundless plains to share With courage let us all combine’.
GOPIO is looking forward to your leadership in bringing all Australians together to understand and share the benefits of this Synergy.
Thomas A braham Pr akash Shah Umesh Chandra
Dr. Thomas Abraham Prakash Shah Umesh Chandra OAM Chairman President Executive VP
Affiliate:
GOPIO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
GOPIO QUEENSLAND COMMEMORATES GIRMIT DIWAS WITH A HEARTFELT MEMORIAL SERVICE
Queensland, 14th May 2025—The Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) Queensland marked Girmit Diwas with a significant memorial service held at the Queensland Vedic Cultural Centre. Despite a venue change, the event was completely sold out, underscoring the community’s strong commitment to remembering and honouring its history.
Umesh Chandra OAM,
the event coordinator, meticulously planned a wellstructured program that saw many community members eager to pay tribute to the first Indian arrivals in Fiji in 1879. The memorial service has been cherished for 17 years, a poignant reminder of the Indian indentured labourers’ journey and contribution.
The program featured a message from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji, “Bidesia” folk song with translation, glimpses
of the Kolkata memorial inauguration and the history of the Girmit presentation.
This year, the community honoured Mr. Rajendra Prasad with the prestigious Girmit Honour Award for his outstanding dedication to community service. Mr. Prasad has actively participated in community initiatives in Fiji and Australia, demonstrating a lifelong commitment to service, cultural preservation, and community welfare.
The observance coincides
with the anniversary of the arrival of the first Indian indentured workers in Fiji, a day of significance that has grown in awareness over the years. Interestingly, the exact date also marks Fiji's first
coup in 1987, adding a layer of historical irony to the day’s commemoration.
The event featured a series of respectful ceremonies, including prayers, speeches, and cultural performances.
Highlights included a keynote address by a special guest and a moving tribute to the resilience and contributions of the Indian community in Fiji and beyond.
As the community gathered
to remember their history, it was evident that the awareness and importance of the Girmit Diwas memorial service continue to grow, fostering unity and cultural
pride among attendees. The entire program included various activities from traditional prayers to cultural displays, culminating in a community dinner that
brought everyone together in reflection and celebration.
GOPIO Queensland’s observance of Girmit Diwas honours the past. It strengthens the bonds
of community and shared heritage, ensuring that the stories of the Girmitiyas are remembered for generations to come.
Girmit Diwas 2025 was sponsored by Globenet Realty and Cornerstone Law offices, and was supported by the office of the Consul General of India in Queensland. The event concluded with a vegetarian dinner for everyone.
GOPIO GOLD COAST 2025 GALA BRINGS TOGETHER LEADERS, SUPPORTERS, AND FRIENDS IN CELEBRATION OF DIVERSITY
The 2025 GOPIO Gold Coast Annual Gala Dinner was held with great success, bringing together community members, leaders, and supporters for an evening of celebration, culture, and connection. The event was marked by vibrant music, delicious food, and a
warm atmosphere that truly reflected the spirit of unity and multiculturalism.
The musical performances throughout the evening created a lively and engaging ambience, with guests taking to the dance floor and enjoying every moment.
The night was filled with
friendship and inspiring conversations as attendees from all walks of life came together to support the ongoing work of GOPIO Gold Coast in community engagement, advocacy, and cultural promotion.
We would like to thank the Guest of Honour,
Queensland Shadow Minister for Multicultural Affairs and Public Works, MP Charis Mullen and Experience Gold Coast Director of Education Jennine Tax.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to our generous sponsors, whose support made this evening possible. Platinum Sponsors (Nextweb & ACE One). Your commitment to our vision and continued partnership is deeply valued.
Silver Sponsors, (Mortgage Assistance, Business 2 Sell, Global Grocery & Spices and MP Angie Bell. Thank you for your vital contribution and encouragement of our efforts. Your support enables us to host events like this that strengthen our community bonds and help us continue to make a positive impact.
We would like to thank the Guest of Honour, Queensland Shadow Minister for Multicultural Affairs and Public Works, MP Charis Mullen and Experience Gold Coast Director of Education Jennine Tax.
We look forward to welcoming everyone again to our future events and extend our gratitude to all those who joined us to make this Gala Dinner a memorable occasion.
GOPIO Gold Coast was represented by Pradip Gorasia (President), Mokhtiar
Singh (Vice President and Gala Dinner Coordinator), Preetham Krishna (2nd VicePresident), Madhuri Soni (Secretary), Paddy Krishnan (Joint Secretary), Jessy Kaurah (Treasurer), and Varsha Badhe (Asst. Treasurer)
GOPIO GOLD COAST HOSTS DIVERSE YOGA SESSIONS FOR IDY 2025 UNDER THEME ONE EARTH, ONE HEALTH
The GOPIO Gold Coast celebrated the 2025 International Day of Yoga on June 14th. The theme for the 2025 International Day of Yoga is "Yoga for One Earth, One Health". In keeping with this theme, GOPIO-GC hosted four different styles of Yoga practices.
Ranjitha Shenoy, who runs the Yoga and Wellness by Ranju school, started with classical Hatha Yoga. Her gentle and yet effective Asanas helped everyone stretch their bodies gently on a cold morning. This was followed by Shekher Arya's session on
SOMA Breathwork. Shekher, who runs Amavi retreats, focused on a specific form of Pranayama to create a sense of happiness. Leela Avva and Aoi Okoch conducted the third session from the Heartfulness Institute. They focused on chair yoga, which helped those who were not comfortable sitting on the floor for too long, and silent deep meditation. This session helped people relax their mind and body at their own pace. The final session was conducted by Sharma Slavic, who runs various sound-based healing events in Southeast
Queensland. Her use of the crystal sound bowls, and the harp further calmed everyone.
There were approximately 50 participants, all of whom found the sessions to be very engaging. The entire program lasted close to two hours, although it felt like it was over in a jiffy. GOPIO-GC thanks all the instructors and the participants for making the event a great success. The event was supported by the Consul General of India, Brisbane and Experience Gold Coast.
Thanks to our presenters and supporters.
GOPIO Gold Coast was represented by Pradip Gorasia (President), Preetham Krishna
(2nd Vice-President), Paddy Krishnan (Joint Secretary and Coordinator of the event),
Madhuri Soni (Secretary) and Varsha Badhe (Asst. Treasurer)
DR. MAHA SINNATHAMBY AM BESTOWED GOPIO QUEENSLAND LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD 2025 AT INDIA DAY FAIR
Queensland, Australia — Dr. Maha Sinnathamby AM has been awarded the GOPIO Queensland Lifetime Achievement Award 2025, recognising his decades of service to the Indian community in Queensland and his broader contributions to Australia’s development landscape. The prestigious honour was awarded during the India Day Fair 2025, proudly organised by GOPIO Queensland (Global Organisation of People of
Indian Origin).
GOPIO Queensland’s Lifetime Achievement Award honours community elders who may work out of the spotlight, but whose sustained efforts have laid a solid foundation for a thriving community. Dr. Sinnathamby embodies this legacy through tireless service, resilience in the face of challenges, and a commitment to uplifting the Indian diaspora in Queensland.
Born in Malaysia, Dr.
Sinnathamby is the founder and driving force behind Greater Springfield, Australia’s fastest-developing new city.
In 2010, Greater Springfield was named the World’s Best Master Planned Community by the International Real Estate Federation, a testament to his forward-thinking approach to urban development.
In 2014, Newscorp named him one of Queensland’s 50 greatest thinkers of all time, underscoring his status as a pivotal Australian
entrepreneur and planner. Greater Springfield has also earned the UDIA Queensland President’s Award in 2014 and has since accumulated further accolades, reflecting the project’s sustained impact on the region’s economy and lifestyle.
As Chairman of Springfield City Group, Dr. Sinnathamby has championed a holistic citybuilding philosophy centred on sustainable, masterplanned design. Education is central to his vision, with
a belief that education is the currency of the future. Health and information technology have also emerged as integral pillars supporting the city’s interconnected model of living, learning, working, and playing.
Dr. Sinnathamby’s ambitious development has attracted substantial investment, with government at three levels and private capital channelling nearly $12 billion into Greater Springfield’s infrastructure and growth. The city’s expansion continues to contribute significantly to the social and economic value of Queensland and the broader Australian economy.
Beyond his development work, Dr. Sinnathamby is an accomplished civil engineer and community builder. He authored the inspirational book, “Stop Not Until the Goal is Reached” (Wiley & Sons, 2012), which remains a staple in many local schools and
institutions.
His long list of honours reflects a career marked by innovation, leadership, and service. Notable recognitions include:
- Honorary Doctorate from the University of Southern Queensland (2007)
- Centenary Medal for contributions to regional development
- Ernst & Young Master Entrepreneur of the Year (Northern Region, 2003)
- Paul Harris Fellowship from Rotary International
- Australian Institute of Management Medal for Management Innovation
- Global Organisation for People of Indian Origin International Renowned Entrepreneur Excellence Award
- University of New South Wales Alumni Award for Engineering and Sustainability (2015)
Editor's Note
CONTD. FROM PG 02
Congratulations to GOPIO International President Prakash Shah and his team for launching an online webinar series. I firmly believe that this initiative will have far-reaching implications, providing GOPIO International with greater leverage and increased engagement among its membership.
Kudos also to GOPIO International, GOPIO Queensland, and GOPIO Gold
- Named one of Queensland’s 50 Top Thinkers of All Time by Newscorp (2015)
- BrandLaureate Great Entrepreneur Brand ICON Award (2015)
- Member of the Order of Australia (General Division) for service to building and construction and the community (June 2019)
- Queensland Business Leaders Hall of Fame induction (July 2019)
- UDIA Queensland Award for Excellence (2019) for Queensland’s Best Development over the last 25 years
- Honorary Doctor of Business, University of Queensland (November 2019)
As the chair of Springfield City Group, Dr. Sinnathamby continues to influence how communities are planned, connected, and sustained. He remains a prominent advocate
for education, infrastructure, and inclusive growth, encouraging new generations to pursue ambitious goals with perseverance.
The GOPIO Queensland award ceremony highlighted Dr. Sinnathamby’s decades of quiet leadership and lasting impact. Well-wishers emphasise that his work has not only transformed a region but also served as a blueprint for collaborative, sustainable development across Australia.
About GOPIO Queensland
GOPIO Queensland is a chapter of the Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) International, dedicated to fostering unity, culture, and service within the Indian diaspora. The India Day Fair provides a platform to celebrate achievements, heritage, and contributions of Indian Australians to the broader community.
Coast for receiving a Certificate of Appreciation from the Queensland Premier, Hon David Crisafulli MP, and Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Hon Fiona Simpson MP. On a personal note, I was honoured to receive an Achievement Award from GOPIO Cairns for my lifelong contribution to the multicultural community. GOPIO Cairns also presented an award to Usha Chandra, President of GOPIO Queensland, for her significant contributions to the organisation.
With these words, I close for this month. I look forward to seeing you all next month. Until then, happy reading.
Umesh Chandra OAM Editor in Chief
Executive Vice President –GOPIO International
Note: We welcome your submissions and feedback. If you would like to publish articles retrospectively, please send them along with the date you wish them to appear, and we will accommodate them accordingly.
GOPIO’S INAUGURAL WEBINAR DRAWS STRONG ATTENDANCE; IMMIGRATION UPHEAVALS AND INDIAN DIASPORA CHALLENGES HIGHLIGHTED FOR ADVOCACY AND FUTURE IMPACT
The session also highlighted the lineup of GOPIO organizers, chief guest, moderator, and panellists, including First Row — Prakash Shah, Dr. Thomas Abraham, Gaganjot Mundra; Second Row — Prof. Maya Chadda, Dr. Sudhir Shah, David Nachman; Third Row — Lord Bhikhu Parekh, Sid Jain, Shaima Ammal; Fourth Row — Stephanie Dy, Raj Punjabi, and Kumu Gupta.
New York, NY — GOPIO (Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin) inaugurated its international webinar series on July 12,
2025, with a highly attended session titled “Indian Diaspora and Immigration Upheavals – Path Forward.” The event opened with opening remarks from Webinar Series chair Sunil Vuppala, GOPIO’s Associate Secretary, and featured Lord Bhikhu Parekh, a member of the House of
Lords in London, as Chief Guest. The webinar brought together leading immigration attorneys, policymakers, and community thought leaders to examine the evolving immigration policy landscape across the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
Moderated by Dr. Maya Chadda, Professor Emeritus at William Paterson University and a permanent member of the Council on Foreign Relations, the session addressed critical issues facing Indian students and immigrants—from visa backlogs and reformled restrictions to shifting international student work policies in the USA, Canada,
and the UK.
GOPIO Founder and Chairman Dr. Thomas Abraham framed the initiative as a global platform designed to inform and empower the Indian diaspora to navigate complex immigration landscapes with clarity and purpose. “Through these webinars, GOPIO remains a catalyst for connection, advocacy, and community resilience,” Abraham stated.
GOPIO President Prakash Shah underscored the series’ role in meeting community needs. “This series is more than information—it’s a lifeline. We are committed to amplifying the concerns of our communities across borders and shaping a proactive
response to immigration challenges with expert insights and collaborative solutions. We also aim to galvanise the Indian diaspora for a greater contribution to reshape the future of global migration,” Shah said.
Featured Experts and Insights included Lord Bhikhu Parekh, Member of the House of Lords, who delivered opening remarks reflecting on the diaspora’s historical resilience and discussed migration patterns across eras, noting ancient movements from Gujarat to Greece, Rome, and Southeast Asia, and highlighting how mobility responses have evolved through slavery, indentured labour, and
Part of the Webinar Audience
modern policy shifts. David Nachman, Esq., founder of NPZ Law Group (New Jersey), discussed enforcement priorities under proposed policy reforms and outlined immigration considerations for diaspora members planning immigration to the US from India, Australia, the UK, and Europe. Stephanie Dy, Esq., of Parikh Law Group (Chicago), explained stricter H-1B and L-1 vetting protocols and the broader impact of shifting policies on student and employment visas, noting that 2024 saw a record-breaking number of non-immigrant visas issued by the U.S. India Mission for the second consecutive year. Shaima Ammal, a Londonbased solicitor and advocate, outlined post-pandemic reforms aimed at reducing low-skilled migration from India, emphasising border security and policies that favour entrants who can contribute economically and demonstrate language proficiency. Dr. Sudhir Shah, a Mumbai-based immigration specialist, provided insights into EB-5, L-1, and family-based visa options, emphasising the importance of honesty in visa applications and thorough preparation. Gaganjot Kaur, a Toronto-based immigration expert, discussed the ripple effects of U.S. border security measures on Canadian student policy, noting increased vetting and financial stability considerations, a potential 5% cap in certain programs, and the continued openness of investment-based visas in
GOPIO Founder and Chairman Dr. Thomas Abraham framed the initiative as a global platform designed to inform and empower the Indian diaspora to navigate complex immigration landscapes with clarity and purpose.
“Through these webinars, GOPIO remains a catalyst for connection, advocacy, and community resilience,” Abraham stated.
Canada.
The session began with a tribute to Michael Phulwani, a noted Indian American immigration attorney, accompanied by remarks from GOPIO President Shah and Attorney Nachman recounting shared legal journeys and cultural insights from India.
In a series of forwardlooking statements, the organizers announced plans to encourage HR teams to implement visa-tracking systems and sponsor-risk policies, and to request that immigration lawyers provide timely guidance on new regulations and rising denial trends. They urged international students to comply with work-hour limits and timely OPT applications. They announced that GOPIO would host a monthly webinar series focusing on technology, youth leadership, and healthcare investment. The next webinar on AI and technology was scheduled for August 9, 2025, with initiatives unveiled for an
international symposium on AI, quantum computing, and tech innovations in early 2026. Efforts were launched to establish GOPIO chapters in Boston, Nashville, South Jersey, and Pune through a local WhatsApp network, inviting interested individuals to contact Sid Jain at +1 201-889-8888 or email siddharth@aaaumom. com. Advocates also pursued bilateral cooperation between India and the USA to ease and enable investment-based visas.
GOPIO General Secretary Sid Jain delivered concluding remarks and a vote of thanks to all in attendance, calling for ongoing collaboration, education, and dialogue among diaspora communities. The event closed with a collective call for proactive engagement, continued information sharing, and sustained cross-border collaboration to address immigration challenges faced by the Indian diaspora.
GOPIO-MANHATTAN, CONSULATE GENERAL OF INDIA IN NEW YORK HOSTS INTERNATIONAL DAY OF YOGA 2025 ONLINE EVENT
India’s New York Consul General Binaya Srikanta inaugurating the event with a message
New York, NY — GOPIO-Manhattan, in partnership with the Consulate General of India in New York, Happy Life Yoga, The Indian Panorama, and the Indian American Forum, hosted the International Day of Yoga 2025 (IDY-2025) on Sunday, June 22, from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. EST. The event, presented as a highly interactive virtual yoga session, featured a diverse lineup of speakers and experts from around the world and was streamed via Zoom.
The celebration marked the fourth consecutive year that GOPIO-Manhattan has hosted a Zoom-based Yoga Day gathering, a format the chapter adopted during the COVID-19 era in 2021. The
organisers noted that the global COVID-19 pandemic prompted the creation of Happy Life Yoga on Zoom, and the collaboration has allowed speakers and participants to connect from across continents for the annual observance.
Participants used chairbased yoga exercises, meditation, breathing techniques, and moments of levity during the session. Consul General of India in New York, Binaya Srikanta Pradhan, opened the program with a message welcoming the diaspora and encouraging daily yoga practice. GOPIO International Chairman Dr. Thomas Abraham, who advised GOPIO-Manhattan, delivered a welcome address
highlighting GOPIO’s objectives and inviting non-members to join the organisation or a local chapter. The event’s theme focused on the universal question: “HOW TO STAY PEACEFUL AND HAPPY IN THE MIDST OF THE WORLD TODAY?”
Speakers included Professor Indrajit Saluja, chief editor of The Indian Panorama; Indu Jaiswal, chairperson of the Indian American Forum; Beena Kothari, president of GOPIO New York and AIA NY; Meera Gandhi, founder and CEO of the Giving Back Foundation (whose greeting was shared via a message); Parveen Chopra, founder of Lotus in the MUD; vegan advocate Anil Narang; Dr. Renee Mehrra, an South
Asian broadcast journalist; and remaining participants Sneha Jain and Neha Lohia, who contributed greetings via messages. Each speaker offered personal mantras and insights for happiness and well-being.
Attendees joined from regions around the globe, with participants reported from the United States, Canada, Africa, India, Mexico, and New Zealand. Notable participants included Global Peace Secretariat founder and social activist Kumu Gupta; AIA National President Gobind Munjal; GOPIO Women’s Council Co-Chair Jayashri Chintalapudi; and GOPIO Life Member Suman Kapoor of New Zealand.
Emcee and host Tirlok Malik, an Emmy-nominated filmmaker and speaker at Happy Life Yoga, guided the session. Malik, who works without mats, engaged with the panellists and encouraged
laughter and interaction throughout the program. He reiterated his vision for Happy Life Yoga as “a way of living inspired by the wisdom of Ayurveda, Yoga, and Indian philosophy,” underscoring Yoga’s growing relevance in contemporary life. The workshop emphasised self-love, healthy eating, positive thinking, and mindful movement, inviting participants to use the tools shared by Malik and the other speakers to safeguard their happiness and health. Malik has led over 100 Happy Life Yoga workshops in the past five years.
Organisers Bhavya Gupta, a founding member of GOPIO Manhattan, and Shivender Sofat, president and founding member of GOPIO Manhattan, have coordinated IDY events for four years with support from the Consulate General of India, Happy Life Yoga, and various local organisations.
Siddharth Jain, GOPIO International Secretary and a founding member of GOPIO Manhattan, offered a closing vote of thanks and led a final laughter session. GOPIO-Manhattan noted that its mission to serve the broader community has driven numerous initiatives since its founding in 2020. One ongoing effort highlighted by the chapter is Community Feeding, which provides a vegetarian lunch for the homeless and those in need at Tompkins Square Park in Manhattan on the last Monday of every month. The chapter encouraged the community to participate as volunteers or sponsors.
For more information about GOPIO Manhattan, interested parties could contact Shivender Sofat at 731-9886969 or GOPIO International at 908-267-5021. Rohit Vyas, GOPIO Global Media Chair, was also listed at 732-319-0972.
Speakers and some participants at the IDY-2025
HARMOHAN SINGH WALIA NAMED NSW VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR FOR FIVE CONSECUTIVE YEARS
Adedicated community volunteer from New South Wales, Harmohan Singh Walia, has been recognised as the NSW Volunteer of the Year for five consecutive years, beginning in 2020. Walia, a life member of GOPIO (Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin), has long served the GOPIO Sydney Northwest chapter and various seniors’ groups across New South Wales.
In recognition of his tireless service, Walia has consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to improving the lives of seniors and supporting cultural and community initiatives. The award, presented annually, highlights individuals who go above and beyond to strengthen community bonds and foster inclusive environments.
A spokesperson for GOPIO Sydney Northwest noted, “Harmohan’s dedication over many years has been a beacon for our community. His leadership and hands-on volunteerism have made a tangible difference in Seniors' groups across New South Wales, and his work continues to inspire others to give back.”
Walia has been actively involved with GOPIO’s
Sydney Northwest chapter, as well as multiple senior groups, contributing time, mentorship, and advocacy to promote the well-being and social connection of older residents. His ongoing efforts are seen as a cornerstone of mature, community-led service in the region.
The NSW Volunteer of the Year Award aims to acknowledge outstanding volunteers whose efforts strengthen community resilience, promote inclusivity, and enhance the wellbeing of residents. Walia’s
continued recognition underscores the impact of sustained, community-driven volunteerism.
Commenting on the announcement, community leaders emphasized the importance of volunteer work in building healthy, connected communities. They highlighted Walia’s example as a model for current and future volunteers across NSW. Congratulations continue to pour in from volunteers and recipients who recognize the lasting impact of his contributions.
NSW Volunteer of the Year Award 2025
GOPIO INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION 2025 PROUDLY SPONSORED
