GOPIO-CT raises funds for charity, elects new team

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The Global Organization of People of Indian Origin-Connecticut Chapter (GOPIO-CT) raised $5,000 at its General Body Meeting (GBM) to donate to a local service organization, Building One Community of Stamford, that helps new immigrants in Connecticut. The chapter also elected its new team.

In his report to the GBM, GOPIO-CT President Ashok Nichani said that in spite of the pandemic and the subsequent lockdown, GOPIO had done outstanding work in helping local food pantries and providing KN95 masks for frontline workers.

The community service organization has delivered food items to frontline healthcare workers at the Stamford Hospital, donated cash and replenished food items for the homeless and needy at the New Covenant House in Stamford, Lower Fairfield County Food Pantry and Food Bank of Lower Fairfield.

In addition, the chapter had imported KN95 masks and donated to Wilton Meadow Healthcare facility in Wilton, Connecticut and Stamford Hospital.

The chapter participated in the annual walkathon fundraiser for Bennet Cancer Center at the Stamford Hospital.

The organization put together a celebration of India’s 74th Independence Day connecting the people of Indian origin, community leaders and elected officials virtually.

The chapter also held its annual Diwali celebration on Zoom, an interactive meeting with Congressman Jim Himes and a webinar on major changes on U.S. taxes and financial retirement planning.

The GBM also conducted its annual election for 2021. Nichani was re-elected as the President for one more term. Other elected officials are Prasad Chintalapudi as Executive Vice President, Jaya Daptadar as Vice President, Prachi Narayan as Secretary, Meera Banta as Joint Secretary and Viresh Sharma as Treasurer. GBM also reelected two trustees, Thomas Abraham and Neelam Narang.

The chapter also held its annual holiday party attended by India’s Consul General in New York Randhir Kumar Jaiswal as chief guest, who praised GOPIO-CT for its work. Stamford Mayor David Martin thanked GOPIO-CT for helping the local food pantries during the lockdown.

Thomas Abraham, Chairman of GOPIO International said that GOPIO-CT is the most active chapter among over one hundred GOPIO chapters worldwide.

Vice President of GOPIO-CT Prasad Chintalapudi coordinated and chaired the program. Nandita Suvarna closed the meeting thanking everyone for making the Zoom program a success.