GOPIO-CT hosts top Consulate officials in Connecticut

- ADVERTISEMENT -

The Indian Consul General of India in New York Sandeep Chakravorty and Deputy Consul General Shatrugna Sinha were hosted by the Connecticut chapter of the Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO-CT) on May 3, 2019, in Stamford and Norwalk, Connecticut.

Chakravorty called on to Stamford Mayor David Martin, along with GOPIO-CT President Anita Bhat, Past Presidents Shailesh Naik and Shelly Nichani and Treasurer Biru Sharma.

Later, both called on Norwalk Mayor Harry Rilling along with GOPIO-CT officials and Norwalk’s Indian community leaders including Raj Misra and Anna Duleep, as well as representatives of Norwalk’s Sikh Gurudwara, according to a press release.

The discussions were very cordial with both mayors and there were agreements on many new initiatives.

Chakravorty offered to send various artists and performers from India visiting the USA to come and do shows in both the cities, Stamford and Norwalk.  Both the mayors offered full help and cooperation to facilitate such performances. Both mayors and the Consul General are interested in student exchange programs and the Consul General will further work in the same, said the release.

The Consul General made an offer to Rilling and the Sikh community to hold a grand 550th Anniversary of Guru Nanakjis birth anniversary. He will contact some eminent academician to come and give a talk on the life of the Guru.

Rilling offered his full support. GOPIO-CT also proposed an India section at the Norwalk public Library which Mayor Rilling agreed and the Consul General has offered to provide books.

On the economic front, both mayors would like to invite Indian companies to consider Stamford and Norwalk to open their US destination. In this regard, Martin will take assistance from the Indian Consulate to invite Indian companies to business expo and investment seminars in Stamford. GOPIO-CT will facilitate such efforts.

Chakravorty also had a very good discussion with Congressman Jim Himes who is a leading member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. Himes is very supportive of India’s interests and values.

Chakravorty also had a very informative discussion with Connecticut State Senator Bob Duff, the Majority Leader in the state Senate.

In the evening a reception was held at Hampton Inn for the many leaders of Indian diaspora in Connecticut to meet and greet Chakravorty and Sinha. GOPIO-CT President Anita Bhat welcomed the guests. GOPIO-CT Treasurer Biru Sharma moderated the session. Connecticut House Representative Matt Blumenthal, who represents Stamford, also joined the dinner meeting. Blumenthal was very appreciative of the contribution by the Indian American community in Connecticut.

A donation of $2000 was made to Future 5, an organization in Stamford that takes underprivileged students from local high schools and tutor them in the hours after school.