Global Organisation Of People Of Indian Origin To Host Its Annual Convention In Bangalore This June

The Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) International, a US-based International Organisation, has announced that it will be holding its Annual General Body Meeting and its Convention in Bengaluru on June, 2-3, 2023 at the Ritz Carlton Hotel, Bangalore.

President of GOPIO Sunny Kulathakal said, “This mega event is taking place after three years with in-person participation, thanks to the improvement in the Covid-19 situation. Most recently, GOPIO had meetings in Berlin, Germany and in Paris, France from Jan 19 – 21, 2019.”

Sunny Kulathakal further stated: “GOPIO International, was founded to advocate for the Indian diaspora’s rights, fight on their behalf and assist them around the globe on issues such as immigration, visa, PIO card matters, social services for the diaspora, inheritance and legacy issues and to facilitate the return of often stranded diaspora travellers back to their home country, provide disaster relief assistance and support for the students, distressed spouses and scores of other issues related to family and property.”

Various dignitaries are expected to attend the meet. Andhra Pradesh Governor Justice S. Abdul Nazeer is the Chief Guest. Lord Diljith Rana, Member of the House of Lords, UK and Lord Rami Ranger, Member of the House Lords, UK, have also accepted our invitation to attend. Other important dignitaries include Justice Cyriac Joseph, Lokayukta and former Judge of the Supreme Court of India, Dr. Ausaf Sayeed, Secretary Ministry of External Affairs and Ambassador T.P. Srinivasan.’’

Jagdish Lodia, Australia, believes that the new slate of office-bearers will be a breath of fresh air for the organization. The new teams are dedicated to the aims and causes of GOPIO International.

General Secretary George Varghese said, “The GOPIO Bangalore Chapter is hosting this meet in hospitality partnership with the Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Bangalore The hosts will do everything possible to ensure a very pleasant stay in Bangalore. The guests will be ensured to enjoy the local cultural and culinary delights as well as visits to landmark tourist spots in Karnataka . They shall cherish many fond memories for life from this event."

Executive Vice President Ishwer Ramlutchman said, “The Bengaluru convention will offer a unique opportunity for delegates from abroad to catch up with friends and exchange views on issues affecting the diaspora.’’ Ishwer Ramlutchman expressed optimism that the deliberations in Bengaluru convention will strengthen GOPIO just emerging out of the Covid shadow.’’

Officials of GOPIO and its delegates from various parts of the globe have already started arriving in Bangalore and they are expected from Australia, Africa, Europe, USA, New Zealand, South Africa etc.

Harbachan Singh, a former United Nations official, who is the GOPIO’s International Coordinator for North America, said, “This organisation, which is over 34 years old, has an impressive list of accomplishments, which it has conducted in collaboration with the various Indian Ministries in India, as well as its Embassies and Consulates General of India in different parts of the world various activities that have benefited the Indian diaspora globally. These initiatives are facilitating the ability to forge more beneficial partnerships.”

GOPIO International’s General Body’s agenda includes the review of the work of its affiliate organisations, the Global International Chamber of Commerce, the GOPIO Foundation, and the various GOPIO Councils and Committees. Elaborate discussion panels have also been constituted for this event where expert lecturers in their respective fields will discuss issues of contemporary and international importance. The General Body will endorse the appointment of the new Chairman of GOPIO International and review and endorse the report of the Election Commission and the Bylaws Review Committee of its constitutional document.

GOPIO International’s collaboration with the Redberri Corporation in Chicago is expected to further enhance interaction between Mother India and the Indian population at a higher level both in terms of qualitative and quantitative endeavors and in a professional way on a worldwide basis. GOPIO officials met at Sandwich, Illinois with Dr. Deepak K. Vyas to explore the viability of establishing the GOPIO World Headquarters in Sandwich, Illinois at the Convention Center of the Rediberri Corporation. Options to identify and develop other location shall also be discussed.

At the conclusion, the Acting General Body Chairman Sunny Kulathakal will bestow honors and awards to recognize individuals of exceptional grit and merit in the various fields of human endeavor. An elaborative souvenir magazine will also be released at this event.