The Connecticut Stare Assembly has issued a citation to honor India for its 78th anniversary of independence. The official citation was initiated by State Representative Matt Blumenthal and Senator Sujata Gadkar-Wilcox and introduced by 13 other State Representatives and Senators. It congratulated the Connecticut Chapter of the Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO-CT) for promoting awareness of Indian culture, customs and the substantial contribution of Indian Americans to various fields.
The citation also recognized GOPIO-CT for supporting many charities in Connecticut. The citation was signed by CT General Assembly’s Pro Tempore Marten M. Looney, House Speaker Matt Ritter and Secretary of State Stephanie Thomas.
Celebrations have already started in the US cities to honor India’s 79th Independence Day hosted by organizations around the US. GOPIO-CT celebrated on August 10th with more than 1,000 people attending. A flag hoisting at the Stamford Government Center and a ceremony with elected Connecticut officials and dignitaries took place.
Celebrations continued at the adjacent Mill River Park in Stamford where Mayor Caroline Simmoins and Norwalk Mayor Harry Rilling issued proclamations in recognition of India’s Independence and congratulating GOPIO-CT for its services and contributions to their cities. These citations were presented after the Indian flag hoisting by Consul Pragya Singh of the Indian Consulate in the presence of Connecticut State Senator Sujata Gadkar-Wilcox and Senator Bob Duff.
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Dressed in colorful traditional Indian attire, with melodious music from the popular Bollywood world, dances depicting the wide variety of Indian culture, music, kite flying, spicy Indian cuisine, and booths decorated with Indian symbols and face art, the festivities were a treat experienced by all ages in the fast-growing Indian American community in the state of Connecticut and New York’s Westchester County.
More than 12 performances by over 50 performers were presented at the cultural program.
At Mill River Park, the ceremony was addressed by several Connecticut state officials and guests. Program Chair Sonali Gannu Zullurwar sang India’s national song Vande Mataram. GOPIO-CT Executive Vice President Sushanth Krishnamurthy welcomed attendees and outlined GOPIO-CT’s mission to help the Indian community and involving the community in the local activities and charities.
Indian Consul Pragya Singh who is the Head of the Chancery at the Indian Consulate in New York was the honored guest. She highlighted the accomplishments and contributions of the Diaspora, saying, “I’m very proud to say that the numbers prove that you have broken many barriers to become one of the most successful immigrant groups in the US.”
Connecticut State Senators Sujata Gadkar-Wilcox (Senate 23rd Distrct (Bridgeport/Trumbull/Monroe) and Bob Duff (Senate 25th District Norwalk/Darien) and Representative Lucy Dathan (142nd District New Canaan/Norwalk) presented the Citation from the Connecticut Assembly. All the elected officials who spoke at the event acknowledged India’s success as the world’s most populous and largest democracy.
GOPIO Chairman Dr. Thomas Abraham, who also serves as Advisor/Trustee to GOPIO-CT, in his remarks said, “India made progress under a democratic rule in the 78 years, I emphasize democratic rule, in all the eight decades and now moving forward to become the Third Largest economy in the world in this decade.” He called on all to rededicate themselves to the cause of democracy, freedom, justice, and peace not only in India but all over the world.
Senator Gadkar-Wilcox, the first Indian American Senator in Connecticut recounted her parents’ journey as immigrants to New York City where she was born. A Professor of Legal Studies at Quinnipiac University, she was a Fulbright-Nehru scholar studying constitutional values in India. She also spoke about her grandparents’ involvement in India’s freedom movement.
An award and several recognitions were also presented. Joseph Simon, an active contributing member and Trustee of GOPIO-CT, was honored with India Independence Liberty Award for community service and philanthropy. Simon who is a technology professional focused on the media sector has contributed to a variety of charitable organizations including as a board member, disbursement panelist and trustee for GOPIO-CT, Asha for education – NYC and the Community Fund of Darien.
The newly selected winner of Miss Connecticut Cayla Kumar was honored at the event. Kumar, a Quinnipiac graduate and aspiring pediatric oncologist, champions her nonprofit, The Goal Driven Project, which supports pediatric cancer advocacy, will compete at the Miss America pageant in Orlando in September.
GOPIO-CT also honored all high school graduates from lower Fairfield County schools. The chapter also recognized Aarav Pandey, a 6th Grader at Scofield Magnet School in Stamford for his achievement as first prize winner of the Connecticut State Level Writing Competition. His winner writing topic was “Arav’s Dream Bog – Fear Not Today.”
GOPIO-CT Trustee Prasad Chintalapudi concluded the ceremony gave the vote of thanks.
GOPIO-CT Board Member Mirat Joshi served as the master of ceremony for the cultural program. More than 50 people presented their colorful dances and other cultural programs. The Indian Festival with colorful Folk and Classical dances of India, music, and Bollywood dances kept the crowd engaged. Vendors displayed and sold Indian cuisine, Indian arts and crafts, Indian clothing, and other items. Free Carousel rides were provided for young children.