Public library in Connecticut unveils India Collection

September 18, 2019

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India’s Consul General in New York Sandeep Chakravorty speaking at the unveiling of the India Collection at the Norwalk Pubic Library in Norwalk, Connecticut, Sept. 15, 2019. (Photos courtesy GOPIO-CT)

The Norwalk Public Library in Connecticut unveiled its India Collection at its main library at One Belden Ave Sunday, Sept. 15. It was an initiative of the Connecticut Chapter of the Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO-CT). The books were donated by the Government of India.

At the standing-room only event, India’s Consul General in New York Sandeep Chakravorty complimented GOPIO-CT and the Library for making a reality out of an initiative he had mentioned to the Mayor of Norwalk.

“It was an idea which came up during my meeting held at Mayor Rilling’s office in May this year and now you have completed that task,” Chakravorty is quoted saying in a press release from GOPIO. He also offered to provide more books for other libraries, and said he would be happy to work with Norwalk Community College as well.

Speakers at the event included Library Board President Alex Knoop; Norwalk Mayor Harry Rilling; GOPIO-CT Committee Chair Divya Misra, who is also a staff member at the library.

A display of the new ‘India Collection’ unveiled Sept. 15, 2019, at the Norwalk Public Library in Connecticut. (Photo: courtesy GOPIO-CT)

Mayor Rilling said that Norwalk is a place where all communities and nationalities stay harmoniously and complimented GOPIO and the Indian American community for contributions to the city such as offering scholarships at Norwalk Community College.

“I have met GOPIO delegation three times in the last several years in my office and they always emphasize on how they can help the city rather than asking for any help,” Mayor Rilling is quoted saying.

State Senator Bob Said that he has very friendly relations and interaction with the community and works very closely with the community.

Flanked by dignitaries and GOPIO officials, GOPIO Chairman Dr. Thomas Abraham presenting a book titled ‘Global Indian Diaspora – GOPIO Making an Impact’ to Norwalk Library Director Christine Bradley. From left, Shailesh Naik, Fr. Sudhir DeSouza, Viresh Sharma, Prasad Chintalapudi, Jaishri Chintalapudi, Saritha Akarapu, Santosh Gannu, Rajneesh Misra, Alex Knopp, Ambassador Sandeep Chakravorti, Bradley, Abraham, Divya Misra, Mayor Harry Rilling and Lucia Rilling, Senator Bob Duff, Norwalk Common Councilman Greg Burnett, Srinivas Akarapu, Meera Banta, Shelly Nichani and representative from the Indian Consulate in New York, Vipul Mesariya. (Photo: courtesy GOPIO-CT)

Library Director Christine Bradley informed those present that most of the books had been catalogued already and could be signed out by card-holders immediately. She thanked the Indian Consulate and GOPIO-CT for making this happen.

GOPIO Chairman Thomas Abraham, PhD, conveyed greetings from GOPIO International and noted that the organization’s chapters around the country aim to help local communities. “GOPIO-CT has been doing great job in that respect by organizing soup kitchens, offering scholarships and other charitable activities,” Abraham said.

Others present at the inauguration included Connecticut Assemblywoman Lucy Dathan and Norwalk Common Councilman Greg Burnett.

The program was put together by a committee headed by Misra along with Saritha Akarapu and Prachi Narayan. Rajneesh Misra conducted the program which also included music and dances from India.