The Connecticut chapter of the Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO-CT) celebrated its 20th Anniversary with an Annual Awards Banquet at the Water’s Edge Banquet Hall, Darien, CT on June 13, 2026, recognizing five prominent Indian American leaders for their civic and professional excellence.
The milestone event brought together a bipartisan group of state and local lawmakers, community leaders, and professionals. The Chief Guest was India’s Deputy Consul General in New York, Vishal Harsh, who also presented awards to the honorees. Other dignitaries who spoke at the banquet were CT Senators Sujata Gadkar Wilcox and Tony Hwang, and CT Assemblyman Jonathan Jacobson.
Dr. Vishal Harsh, Deputy Consul General of India in New York, in his keynote address said, “The achievements of Indian Americans have become a global benchmark—communities across the world look to replicate the success and impact you have created in the United States.”
GOPIO-CT President Mahesh Jhangiani said, “Since its founding, GOPIO-CT has served as a vibrant platform promoting community service, cultural heritage, civic engagement, and unity among People of Indian Origin in Connecticut and beyond.”
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Dr. Thomas Abraham, founder president of GOPIO International and chair of the Awards Committee, said, “Over the past two decades, GOPIO-CT has set an outstanding example of how a local chapter can effectively organize, engage, and serve the community. In many ways, its success became a model for GOPIO International in shaping the structure and activities of local chapters worldwide.”
Mike Joshi, the GOPIO-CT Banquet Chair and GOPIO-CT Secretary, who emceed the gala, said, “The banquet is not only a celebration of the 20th year milestone for GOPIO but also enabled us to raise funds to support Youth Charity Initiatives in our community.”
This year’s honorees represented a wide range of fields:
- Political Leadership– State Senator Prof. Sujata Gadkar-Wilcox. Elected to the Connecticut State Senate in 2024 to represent the 22nd District—which encompasses parts of Trumbull, Monroe, and Bridgeport—Gadkar-Wilcox is also a Professor of Legal Studies at Quinnipiac University.
India’s DCG Vishal Harsh presenting the award to CT State Senator Sujata Gadkar-Wilcox
- Entrepreneurship and Business Achievements -Dr. Anil R. Diwan, the founder, president, and executive chairman of NanoViricides, Inc. (NYSE American: NNVC), headquartered in Connecticut, specializing in antiviral therapies.
- Corporate Leadership – Nitin Mhatre, who assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer at First County Bank on April 15, 2026.
- Hemchandra M. Shertukde, Ph.D., P.E., DMS, was recognized for his Achievements in Engineering and Applied Sciences. Dr. Shertukde has served as a faculty member in the College of Engineering, Technology, and Architecture at the University of Hartford for nearly 40 years.
- Journalism – Ajay Ghosh, whose career spans more than 30 years across mass media, higher education, and clinical healthcare with focus on public interest reportage.
The Founder Members of the Chapter, Dr. Thomas Abraham, Viresh Sharma, Sangeeta and Paul Ahuja, Bhom, and Meera Ahuja were honored, as were Past Presidents Sangeeta Ahuja, Shailesh Naik, Shelly Nichani, Anita Bhat, Ashok Nichani, and Jaya Saptardar. Youth Coordinator in the early years, Sharon Priya Banta was also recognized.
Local artists performed segments ranging from traditional Indian dances to modern Bollywood dances. A group of artists representing MASCONN showcased India’s cultural traditions.
GOPIO-CT contributed $25,000 each to the two charities, Future 5 and Children’s Learning Center (CLC) of Fairfield County. The checks were received by Future 5’s Founder Clif McFeely and CLC’s CEO Monica Maccera Filpu, and its Director of Corporate and Foundation Relation Jennifer Hallissey.